January 29, 2010
Personal Reflection
Diocese well represented at March for Life in Washington
By ZOE CANNON (Sacred Heart Church, Vincennes)
Peace is coming! We await this promise with trust in Jesus Christ. This hope is lived out every day in the work of good and faithful people. I witnessed this in abundance with an op-portunity to join thousands in promoting the value of life, by marching peacefully in our na-tion’s capital. Friday, January 22, 2010, was the 37th anniversary of the landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court on the issue of abortion. Roe vs. Wade is one of the most controversial and politically significant cases in history, which reshaped national politics, dividing much of the nation into pro-choice and pro-life camps. The ‘March for Life’ is a proactive way to send a message for all who are wronged by this decision, especially the babies who have no voice.
We left Vincennes, on Wednesday, January 20, and drove twelve hours through the night to Washington, D.C., in a van with young people. We followed 200 other people from Evansv-ille, Indiana, in four buses sponsored by the Vanderburgh Coun-ty Right To Life Group. I am sure it was no simple task to organize this Pilgrimage. It was my first trip; so I was in awe at the number of youth participating in the prayers, songs, and living out the ideology of our Catholic Church and its position on the sanctity of life. The people of our diocese were well represented with both youth and priests.
The first March for Life was held in 1974, where 20,000 people attended. This year it is estimated that over 300,000 people participated. The present health care issues and the funding of abortion were certainly a factor in the great numbers who came to march. In a peace-making community there is a sense that “in weakness we find strength.” In the abortion issue, the most vulnerable and weak are affected, which depict a disturbing image of our culture. It is particularly challenging for politicians, who must remain firm in their stance on life issues. Winston Churchill once said, “Do not let us speak of darker days: let us speak rather of sterner days. These are not dark days; these are great days; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race.” He is correct; we each have a responsibility to stand firmly for what we believe. Let-ting God be God and asking for his direction; great things will follow, especially the ‘peace’ we are all seeking.
The 70 percent chance of rain and sleet predicted for the day of the March did not distract this crowd, and at 2:00 p.m., when the March began, the sun peaked out as if God was sending the warmth of his smile on us all. The evening before this March began there was an Opening Mass and National Prayer Vigil for Life, which was held in the Basilica of the Na-tional Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic Church in the Western Hemis-phere. The church seats 6,000 people; 10,000 were expected to attend. From my small standing position, I would say they underestimated the number. An amazing piece of information is that most were young people, who really understood why they were there praying. But it was the representation of clergy, which enthusiastically warmed my soul. The procession for all the seminarians, deacons, priests, bishops and cardinals lasted about 40 minutes. Therein lays great hope for our Catholic Church. The next morning before the March began, a Youth Rally and Mass planned at the Verizon Center was once again filled with young people and a large number of clergy. It is their guidance and example, which give these young people the knowledge and strength to stand up for the rights of all people.
In psalm 33:5 it says, “The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with goodness.” For the sake of justice, God certainly filled that church and stadium with his goodness during the Prayer Vigils and Masses held in Washington, D.C. “But the plan of the Lord stands forever, wise designs through all generations, for blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 33:11-12 . . . How could it be clearer? We have a responsibility to allow God’s Peace to come; through Jesus Christ we have that opportunity. Through our choices we make it possible. How do you choose? We re-turned late Saturday night from our experience and the next morning Bishop Gettelfinger confirmed the young people we took on this trip. The power of the Holy Spirit was certainly evident in our journey and in our participation of the sacrament of Confirmation. I am confident in the future of our church. Peace is coming, and the prayers we offer each day will provide us with God’s mercy and love. So simple! “May your kindness, Lord, be our hope in you.” Psalm 33:22 . . . AMEN!
(Related: March for Life participant keeps journal on events, importance)