More Than 250 Diocesan Pilgrims
More than 250 young people and chaperones from the Diocese of Evansville traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the March for Life, held Jan. 22 – the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion. This peaceful protest gathers hundreds of thousands of people from all faiths to stand up for an end to abortion, and against all other life-related causes.
While we were marching, several of our Diocesan Youth Leadership Team students decided they wanted to sing the Divine Mercy Chaplet during part of the march. Our DYLT acted as young leaders – not only by carrying our diocesan banner, but also by leading our group in prayer and music.
As they sang, many people from other groups took notice; some people from a nearby group sang with us. Other groups that we passed (and groups that passed us) joined us in prayerful silence. A newsperson and a cameraman videoed us, and pulled one of our students to the side to ask for information.
Even surrounded by various loudspeakers, chanting groups, drums and demonstrations, our little group nearest to the banner sang our prayer: "For the sake of his sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us, and on the whole world."
What a beautiful witness these young people provided. They're not priests or religious; they're not adults with political agendas; and they're certainly no longer young children, too naive to understand the situation. These young people are faithful, joy-filled Christians who understand the stakes of the various life issues and have chosen to react to them in one very specific way – through prayer.
We can all learn from their example of faith and humility; not only do they believe what they preach, but they are not afraid to pray for it in the midst of hundreds of thousands of others.
This proved to be one of the best pilgrimages I've ever been on. Not only did everything run smoothly, but we were able to experience the incredible hospitality of our host parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; we celebrated Mass with Bishop Charles C. Thompson in the crypt church of the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington; we explored Gettysburg and the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton National Shrine, as well as other historic sites; and we were able to stand up for what we believe and participate in the March for Life.
Really, that's the most important part.
