March For Life 2008

"Each according to his or her possibilities, profession and responsibilities, should feel in themselves an obligation to love and serve life, from its beginning to its natural end."
- Benedict XVI: 3 February 2008, Noon Angelus, Italian "Day of Life," Italy

*This post for some reason never made it out of my drafts folder. Given that I now know where that is, I may now post this long lost gem for all to see*

First off, let me apologize for how late this post is. A bunch of work and a rather nasty flu have kept me off this thing lately.

Almost two weeks ago, tens of thousands showed up on the streets of Washington DC to protest what is perhaps the greatest and most urgent moral issue of our age: what has been called the genocide of the unborn. If you happened to be on the streets of DC on Jan 22, then you caught a rather impressive sight. Unfortunately, if you weren't in our nation's capitol on the 22, you probably knew nothing about it. The event wasn't so much as mentioned on any major news network; not even a blurb on the scrolling marquee. Actually, MSNBC and their crack team of journalists saw fit to mention it under the "health" section of their website complete with pictures of the maybe five pro-abortion advocates brave enough to attend.

I want you all to take note: this is proof that what you see on the news is not by any means a complete depiction of whats happening at any given time; even within your own country. Sadly, no matter what CNN (or Fox News even) tells you, there is no substitute for being socially aware.

Don't I sound worldly?

There was a beautiful air of collaboration at the march that transcended Catholic (and even Christian) affiliation. Everyone there was praying, singing, discussing; a comforting atmosphere which gave us all hope that change is on the way.

I, however, am reminded of the words of a close friend who was an adult leader on a confirmation retreat I led a while ago. He recalled the first March for Life in 1974, which had a relatively favorable turnout (by my understanding, consistent with today's numbers); "we all looked around and thought, 'oh man, this is definitely going to get someone's attention.'" Thirty four years later, he's still marching.

But at least he's not alone. Catholic U sent nearly 400 to the march this year; a personal record for the university.

Although we all know I could certainly fill this post with volumes of philosophically and logically sound reasons why you should agree that abortion is a great injustice and demand its immediate abolition, I will give credit to the 20,000 men and women I marched with and allow their photos to tell the story.