Editor’s note: Four youths from St. Mary Parish in Iowa City, all students at Regina Junior/Senior High School in Iowa City, and adult chaperone Isaac Doucette attended the Jan. 25 March for Life in Washington, D.C. St. Mary’s youth group and Peace and Justice Commission paid for these five Catholics to attend. The pilgrims traveled with about 40 others from St. Mary parishes in Oskaloosa and Pella and St. Anthony’s in Knoxville. Here, the Iowa City parishioners share thoughts on the event.
A.J. Adam: It’s one thing to feel passionate about your beliefs — it’s a whole other thing to be with half-a-million other people who share your passion! I was most inspired by a 12-year-old girl who spoke to us at the pro-life youth rally. While speaking, she began to tear up and went off script. “We are the future…” her voice wavered. And then she pointed to the banner behind her and broke into tears saying, “That’s how I know this is true!” The banner behind her read: “I SURVIVED ROE vs. WADE BUT ROE vs. WADE WILL NOT SURVIVE ME.” Then she ran back to her seat. She was accompanied by a standing ovation from the crowd.
The Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Thursday night was so beautiful! There were 15,000 people there! It took an hour for the procession alone!
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