Standing up for Life
Why would anyone want to take a grueling 24 hour bus trip from Connecticut to Washington DC and back again in the middle of January?January is the month when we recall the impact of the Supreme Court's historic decision, Rowe vs. Wade. January 22nd is the anniversary of this decision, marking its 31st year.
My friend Lynn and I left Southbury at 10 p.m. on Wednesday night January 21st to catch a 11:45 bus leaving from Milford for Washington D. C. We joined with others from Connecticut towns and were on the road at 12 midnight. Lights were out on the bus and all was quiet as we tried to grab a few hours of shut eyes before reaching our destination. Throughout the night we curled up and stretched out in every possible position trying to get comfortable with our pillow and blanket. Then all of a sudden we heard someone yell, "Breakfast!" as the bus came to a stop. We were in Delaware and it was 4:15 a.m. After coffee and a danish I was pretty much awake and started to feel excited about the events of the day ahead.
We arrived in D.C. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception about 6:45 a.m. to get our seats for the 7:30 a.m. Mass. We saved our seats and then took a tour of the Cathedral. The cathedral reminded me of St. Patrick Cathedral in New York City with many side altars and beautiful artwork. The basement resembled Grand Central Station, with crowds of people, but without the trains.
The crowd was made up of primarily College and High School young people. At this hour they were in sleeping bags on the floor, or were walking about in small groups.
The celebration of the Mass For Life began at 7:30. The altar was filled with Bishops and priests from all over the United States. It was wonderful to see our own Archbishop Mansell present. The music and the prayers for life filled the church as we celebrated the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
After Mass we were back on the bus and headed for Capitol Hill, to the offices of Senator Dodd and our State Representatives. They themselves did not appear even though we had appointments set up with them. I felt disappointed, angry and belittled that they sent their aides in their place. We expressed our convictions, that abortion is wrong, and that we want the laws changed.
In the United States today, respect for human life, all human life, has declined dramatically. We see this lack of respect for life in the violence in our schools, the increase of drug addiction, and in the assisted suicides of the sick and elderly. Children are taking their own lives in increasing numbers.
It is my belief that if we want to change all this, we need to begin by changing our laws to protect our unborn. How can our youth respect life, when they see our country and government, taking the lives of the most vulnerable, the unborn?
After this meeting we took a taxi to the Washington Monument where we gathered to hear the speakers by different church leaders and brave government officials who support life. The talks began about 12 noon and lasted about an hour.
There were thousands upon thousands of people gathering during this hour, to prepare for the March for Life. The speakers spoke with enthusiasm, conviction and hope.
I was awed and inspired to see so many young people, and people in their 70s and 80s, and young families with babies, all gathered on a cold day in January.
Young and old alike joined in the march up Constitution Ave. to the Supreme Court. The march was slow paced and peaceful and lasted about an hour. Some of the people were praying and others were talking. We did not encounter any confrontations along the way.
I was happy to be among the tens of thousands of people that day who were there to take a stand for life.
I don't know if the laws will ever be changed, but I do believe that the hearts and minds of people are beginning to realize that life does begin at the moment of conception, and that they will make the brave choice to let their babies live.