This Friday, January 24th marks the annual National March for Life in Washington, D.C. According to www.marchforlife.org, the march began in 1974, one year after the “the Supreme Court of the United States invalidated 50 state laws and made abortion legal – on demand – throughout the United States in the decisions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, the first March for Life walked on Washington to lobby Congressional leadership to find a legislative solution to the Supreme Court’s decision. Soon after realizing congressional protection of the unborn was not on the horizon, Nellie Gray decided to hold a March for Life every year until Roe v. Wade is overturned.”
That march, celebrating the sanctity of life and continuing the petition begun by Nellie Grey, now welcomes hundreds of thousands of peaceful marchers from all races and religions.
The Catholic church, long a cultural front-runner in the defense of the unborn and the sanctity of life at all stages, plays a pivotal part in the march and related events. The Youth Rally and Mass for Life, held annually on the morning of the March for Life at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., strives to encourage youth participating in the National March for Life in their witness as disciples of Christ and promoters of the Gospel of Life.
At a time in which the Catholic Church seeks more ways to connect with and engage youth, the pro-life cause and the National March for life continue to be filled with young people. The majority of people participating in the march seem to be teenagers and young adults for whom the right to life is the most fundamental of human rights, and the joy, and enthusiasm they bring with them is cause for hope.
At the Youth Rally, young people from around the country will gather to Hear from key leaders in the pro-life movement, be inspired to be an influence for a culture of life, get tips on advocating for life on social media, learn practical tips for pro-life volunteering, and be encouraged by fellowship with hundreds of pro-life youth.
Regnum Christi joins with the rest of the Church in participating. Hundreds of lay members of Regnum Christi, Legionaries of Christ, consecrated women and ECYD members, as well as delegations from many Regnum Christi schools across the United States, the Legionaries of Christ Novitiate and College of Humanities, and Divine Mercy University will be there to join their prayers and voices in speaking out for the most vulnerable members of our society.
In addition, Regnum Christi of Washington DC is organizing a Holy Hour & Mission Night the evening before the March for Life with adoration, dinner and street missions. For more information, contact Br. Gregory Metz, LC.
