On Friday, January 20, Kennedy Catholic students participated in the 50th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.  Kennedy shared a bus with St. Patrick’s Church in Yorktown, joining several other groups from the Archdiocese.  As we neared D.C. Father Breslin led the group in reciting the Rosary.  When we arrived, the National Mall was packed, and it was amazing to see so many other young people who share our respect for life. 

While we were too far away to hear most of the speakers, we did manage to hear the actor Jonathan Roumie (“TV Jesus”), who delivered an inspiring address on the state of the pro-life movement.  There were several things we did not expect, such as a bagpiper, a drum line, and a Hispanic church singing “ole, ole, ole, ole, pro-life, pro-life.”

There was a massive turnout, defying expectations that the march would be much smaller after the Dobbs decision overturning Roe vs. Wade in June.  Imagine a full crowd at Yankee Stadium emptied out into a street and then double, triple, quadruple that.  That’s how many people there must have been.  From our place in the march, we could not actually see the end of the crowd.

After the march we went to the National Shrine, a huge basilica with dozens of side chapels, where Father Breslin said a private Mass with our group.  I had never been to the Basilica before, and I was amazed by the enormity and detail of the place.  I am very pleased that I went, and I encourage next year’s students to attend, especially seniors.  If you believe in the pro-life cause, the March for Life is a tremendously rewarding experience.  

The Pro-Life Club will be collecting baby items such as baby bottles and diapers until February 10 to support Birthright in Peekskill.  All donations are appreciated.