March for Life, Jan. 23, 2012, Washington, DC

 I was one of the 400,000 people in Washington, DC, for the 39^th March for Life, since the Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade, that legalized abortion in America.

People stood in the rain for an hour and a half to listen to some great Pro Life speakers, including the Speaker of the House, John Boehner and about 20 Congressman who spoke about the importance of protecting the life of the innocent and that abortion must stop. There are about 3000 abortions a day in this country and over 50 million since the decision of Roe vs. Wade.  Statistics claim that out of every 100 black American babies, 60 are aborted in New York City.

The march started at noon up Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court Building, Rosaries were said on the way.  There were so many Pro Life banners. At the end of the march, there were groups called “Silent No More”, who gave testimony, these were women who regret having had abortions and are now speaking out about how bad it was for their life and how much trauma they experienced because of it and are now defending life. Unfortunately, the media did not cover this great event, however, EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) did cover it in its entirety, God Bless them. This was the most successful march ever. The weather did not drown the enthusiasm of those mostly young people, from Colleges, Universities and High Schools, all Pro Life, which is a great Hope for this country. Many came long distances from all over the country, some had 2 and 3 day trips, one group had a 24 hour bus drive and battled snow, freezing rain and continuous rain all day. They also came from Europe, Brussels, etc. All religions came together to pray and defend life, they included Roman Catholics, Rabbi’s, Orthodox Churches, just to mention a few and Fr. Frank Pavone, of Priests for Life. I travelled on a bus from St. John The Evangelist Parish, in Honesdale, PA and Bishop Bambera came with a group from Scranton, PA. It was truly an inspiring day.

There were Youth Rallies, before the march, the great energy these young people had was very impressive. It was all very peaceful.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception,in Washington, DC, had Mass in the morning for about 10,000, Cardinal-Designate, Timothy Dolan of New York, was the main celebrant and homilist.  Some spent the night in prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and Confessions were heard.

There is a  great need for conversion, compassion and mercy.

It was so refreshing to see so many youth, babies in strollers and the elderly, all joined in prayer to end abortion. Truly, a great day and such joyful witnesses for the Lord. I was very moved to see such Faith.  Praise God and Our Lady of All Graces.

Catherine Hansen