January 27, 2012
Pilgrimage for Life: From conception to natural death
Youth from the Diocese of Evansville display their C2ND banner, supporting life from “Conception to Natural Death” as they participate in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. (Message photo courtesy Emily Snipes) Click for a larger version.
By EMILY SNIPES (Pro-Life and Family Life Coordinator, Diocese of Evansville)
In a world where the culture seems to dictate what we think, how we should act, and most importantly, our attitude towards others, 350 youth and young adults from our diocese headed to Washington, D.C. on the Pilgrimage for Life and learned lessons that were neither planned or expected.
The pilgrims met at St. Ferdinand on Friday, Jan. 20, to embark on what Bishop Charles C. Thompson told them would be much more than just a trip or a vacation; it would be a journey that may include sacrifice. As he celebrated Mass with the pilgrims and other individuals in attendance, he stressed the importance our young people have in the world. He encouraged them to look beyond what is popular and look to do what is right. In this case, the right thing to do is to respect the dignity of all people, from conception until natural death. Bishop Thompson also explained that we must “be Christ to others” and look for ways to serve.
The pilgrims’ journey was structured in a way that included education through a unique video curriculum which highlighted many pro-life issues throughout their pilgrimage.
“The videos were very in-sightful. They helped me to see the issues that our world faces and what I can do as a Catholic to help. I feel very fortunate that the bishop and priests took the time to create them for us,” commented Noelle Becker from Reitz Memorial High School in Evansville.
The theme for this year’s pilgrimage was, “C2ND — Conception to Natural Death.” The goal was to challenge individuals to look at the sacredness of human life at all stages. Al-though the underlying reason for the March for Life is abortion, the pilgrims gained an understanding that the Church focuses on a much broader range of threats against life and that everyone is created in the image of God.
“The video segments showed me the true meaning of being pro-life. I didn’t realize there were so many other reasons, aside from abortion, that are equally important to defend,” Damon Smith from Washington Catholic High School in Wash-ington stated.
Youth and young adults had the opportunity to sightsee and visit various national monuments. They were able to attend the “Youth is Very Good Rally” coordinated by the Diocese of Arlington, and celebrate Mass with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and various other groups and universities. Overall there were five priests, two deacons and two religious accompanying the pilgrims from the Diocese of Evansville. Several diocesan seminarians were in attendance at various events as well.
When youth were asked what made the biggest impression on them, most were amazed at the number of people in attendance at the March for Life on Monday. Jessalyn Norris from St. Mary Church in Sullivan stated, “I am so glad that I came on this pilgrimage. It gave me an amazing feeling to march with hundreds of thousands of people who believe abortion is wrong.”
The pilgrims from southwestern Indiana were blessed to be welcomed in by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Woodbridge, Va. The Virginia parish provided both space for Mass and a hall for the pilgrims to gather for meals. Many volunteers worked to help a local caterer serve meals to our diocesan group. The religious education classes passed out care packages to each of the pilgrims, wishing them well on the trip home Monday evening. For our pilgrims their generosity and kindness was a real-life example of being the hands and feet of Christ to others.
What Bishop Thompson didn’t know when he blessed the pilgrims at the time of their departure on Friday and sent them on the road was the obstacles they would endure with bus difficulties, illness and more. When schedules needed to be changed, seats shared, and meals delayed, the pilgrims recalled his homily regarding what a pilgrimage truly is. As they stopped in Woodbridge for the last time on the way home they were once again greeted by such gracious hosts and servants who truly role modeled for them what the bishop meant by being Christ to others and being the hands and feet of Jesus.