ARTICLES

Teens rejoice at March for Life

By Danielle Zuccaro
special to The Catholic Virginian

Friday, January 22, 2010 proved to be one of the most inspiring and hopeful days in the lives of many Christians from around the country.

The March for Life, which took place in Washington, D.C., drew thousands upon thousands of Catholics and Christians alike to participate in this huge demonstration fighting for every unborn child’s right to life.

For me, however, attending the March with a group from the diocese made the whole experience that included Christian music, confessions, and Mass at the Verizon Center, a lot more meaningful.

Upon entering the Verizon Center at 7 a. m. Friday, thousands of Catholic youth from churches and schools near and far away started filing into the Verizon Center. Within one hour, 17,000 youth and leaders were gathered and singing with Christian singer and songwriter Steve Angrisano.

The songs allowed all to rejoice in the life they had been given, while praying for those who are not fortunate enough to even take a single breath of air.

Meanwhile, everyone was welcome to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which was available before Mass. A very moving part of the pre-Mass activities was when all participated in saying the Rosary.

The atmosphere at this time was a most calming and hopeful one, as we all lifted up prayers for the unborn to Mary. Mass soon began with the procession of hundreds of seminarians, priests, bishops, and archbishops, whose churches and dioceses were represented there.

Among them, our own Bishop DiLorenzo was present. The entire Mass not only inspired all in attendance, but offered hope that our generation of youth will grow and continue to stand up for a pro-life USA.

Next we marched to the National Mall where nearly half a million others were listening to speeches of pro-life politicians. The March started to move slowly as each person began to converge into one enormous mass of people standing for a just cause.

Signs, banners, posters, and chanting groups all illustrated the perseverance and hope that filled everyone in attendance.

As I took in the overwhelming number of people standing up for one of the core beliefs of our faith, I felt that, yes, we can make a difference. By uniting and making it our duty today to protect the at-risk generation of tomorrow, we will live the way Christ calls us to live.

The presence of Jesus was, undoubtedly, surrounding everyone there, giving them the courage to put faith into action. Our hope is that God may continue to work in the lives of Christians, as we work to promote life, not death, in our community and in our world.

back to top