From all across the United States and beyond, pro-lifers of all ages have gathered in Washington, D.C., to witness to the value and dignity of preborn babies and the injustice of abortion – and to defend the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death.
The 37th March for Life is America’s annual gathering of the nation’s longest-running and consistent grassroots activist movement. We rally and pray against abortion and other attacks on innocent human life, and uphold the values of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” upon which our republic was founded.
On Thursday, Jan. 21, the night before the March, thousands flocked to the National Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, “America’s Church,” to attend Mass that was offered by a gathering of the nation’s cardinals, bishops and priests – so many priests that it took 30 minutes for the opening procession to wind down the main aisle.
The enormous basilica was filled many times beyond its seating capacity of 5,000, as pro-lifers (most of them young people) crammed every side chapel and shrine spot, both in the great Upper Church and the lower Crypt Church.
This is U.S. Catholicism at its best and brightest!
The Knights of Columbus and Fathers for Good are here in force for the March. Supreme Council staff members and I are manning a booth at the exhibition hall, with the Fathers for Good display as a backdrop, offering free rosaries, prayer pamphlets, DVDs and information on the Knights of Columbus.
We have met thousands of good-natured, large-heartened men and women, and beautiful young families, who have come from an array of states. They show the face of the pro-life movement as thoughtful and beautiful. They give hope bordering on certainty that one day soon the pro-abortion Roe Vs. Wade decision will be overturned and a Culture of Life will be built in this country, with liberty and justice for all, born and unborn.
Today we March, confident in our cause and imploring God’s strength, guidance and blessing upon us and our nation.
I watched it on EWTN from here in Ireland - it was HUGE! What a joy to see so many men, women and children of good will, peacefully protesting a terrible injustice. What struck me was the joy of each and every person interviewed. A march for the "right to choose" has no such joy. The Holy Spirit is in this march for life! God bless and thanks to everyone who marched. - Rene
Posted by: Mrs. O'Riordan | January 23, 2010 at 03:00 AM
In a few words you have said it well how we are here to peacefully petition our legislators, and storm heaven above -- and we will not rest till justice is restored to this great nation!
Posted by: California Cal | January 22, 2010 at 05:54 AM