March for Life 2010 in review

For Footage of the March for Life click here

From Ron Boak, Activism Co-Coordinator:

The final count was 37. We had about 13 cancellations in the last few days before the march. Of the 37, 22 were from Geretti and 15 were from Mary Mother of the Redeemer (MMR).

The march was fantastic. We were all concerned about the weather reports before the march that indicated that Washington, DC would experience sleet, rain/snow mix. As it turned out, the weather was just fine for the march. The Holy Spirit must have heard the prayers of all the marchers and provided us with great weather for this annual demonstration of witnessing for the sanctity of life.

We arrived at the Basilica about 10:05 a.m., and many of us were able to attend mass. Of course, the main (upper) church was packed to overflowing. Cardinal Rigali was the lead celebrant and gave the homily. We left the Basilica at 11:20 via the METRO to get downtown. Everything went extremely smoothly.

As for the "feel" of the march, most people who went last year thought there were MORE people this year. I would estimate the crown at 200,000 - but I don't know what the official count was. 12 of us from Goretti stayed in a group during the march. When we gathered for the march with the archdiocese of Philadelphia at 6th street and Constitution Ave., Cardinal Rigali was just a few dozen feet from us. As it turned out, we were very close to the front of the march, maybe a 100 feet behind the lead banner. The "Goretti twelve" were able to stick together as we marched all the way to the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. I don't know for sure where the other Goretti marchers were - it's so easy to lose sight of anyone in such an enormous crowd.

Near the Supreme Court, cardinal Rigali was standing on the side of the street near the curb. Barbara Braun went over with 2 of her children to say hello to him. A sort distance up closer to the Supreme Court steps, Fr. Frank Pavone from Priests for Life was standing on the curb. I went up and said to him, "Thank you father for all that you do." He replied, "We're all in this together." We left the Supreme Court and made our way to Union Station for our trip back to the basilica. Again, the trip went extremely smoothly.

One of the more interesting aspects of the March this year was the attendance of groups from Europe. There were groups from France and Italy who joined the March in solidarity with all of us Americans who are Pro-Life. I was told that this is a growing phenomenon and we can expect more particiaption from Europeans in the future. What a wonderful development!

We tired and hungry pilgrims left the basilica about 4:30 and traveled to the Country Buffet on the way back home for an enjoyable meal. We arrived at Goretti about 9:15 p.m. Jim Petro from Goretti took some pictures. I'll contact him and see if I can distribute them to the RL Committee and Frs. Peterson and Brownholtz.

All in all, it was a powerful expression of Christian unity and prayer for the unborn.

Much of the success for this year's march must go to Nancy. As you know, Nancy started her new job on Monday and was not able to attend the march. She organized everything up to the last week prior to the march, i.e., arranging for the bus, taking/making phone calls, preparing the contact list, reserving dinner arrangements at the restaurant, etc. I just happened to be able to attend the march and coordinate things "on the ground."

Pax Christi vobiscum.