The Catholic News Herald is with pilgrims from the Diocese of Charlotte at the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more coverage of their voices and experiences.
‘We must continue to push for what is right’
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two buses full of families and students from the Diocese of Charlotte left early Thursday morning for the March for Life in Washington, D.C.
“Now is the time for our voices to be heard,” said Father Peter Ascik, director of the Office of Family Life. “There is no time like the present to be engaged. In fact, it is the most crucial time in our life possibly to be engaged politically and in other realms. We are shaping the next 50 years right now.”
Rhiana Patterson, a Belmont Abbey College student, says she grew up in an “actively pro-life family.”
“I am moved that there is an annual event uniting the world in kindness and respect towards life,” she said while riding on the bus to D.C. “I’m beyond excited to see what it’s like and to shine the light of love for all by showing up to this event.”
Pilgrims from the diocese joined in the opening Mass for the annual Prayer Vigil for Life Thursday night at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
“It's important as young adults to not be afraid to use our voices to advocate for the most vulnerable,” said Perla Lopez, a student at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. “In a world where moral values and human rights are constantly being debated, we must continue to push for what is right.”
In his homily, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, had a special message for young people, recalling that St. John Paul II's custom almost everywhere he went in the world was to meet with young people.
“He challenged them to be light as only young people can be light. ... The Lord has this particular love for the young, to be His instruments of grace in the world,” Archbishop Naumann said.
— Aidan Creter, Lisa Geraci and Amelia Kudela
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Read more about the Mass and how to participate virtually in the March for Life.
