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March 22, 2010, Pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Hartford arrive at the Supreme Court |
March for Life 2010, DC
Two large buses left the Franciscan Life Center in Meriden, CT, early on the morning of January 21, 2010, and headed for the March for Life in Washington, DC. The pilgrims attended the Vigil Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on January 21, the eve of the March. Thousands crowded into the Basilica to participate in the Mass which included a 40 minute procession of clergy. Such is the commitment to pro-life from clergy, religious, youth and all ages of lay faithful who came from all parts of the country and world to be part of the March for Life.
More marchers than ever attended the March for Life in Washington, DC. Estimates range from 250,000 to 400,000. The March was impressive as it processed from the Washington Mall to the Supreme Court in orderly fashion. The weather prediction of rain and sleet did not deter the marchers, but then gave way to temperatures in the 40’s and moments of sunshine.
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| From left: Mary Lou Peters, Sister Suzanne Gross, FSE; Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, Helen Alvare, Esq.; Laurel Klepacki |
On the morning of the March, there was standing room only as Archbishop Henry Mansell celebrated Mass at the Washington Plaza Hotel. At least 230 attended. A breakfast with the Archbishop followed.
Breakfast speaker, Helen Alvare, ESQ., demonstrated how pro-lifers have ended up being on the “politically incorrect” side of the pro-life and marriage arguments. She outlined the progression of religious freedom from the time of the founding fathers until today’s environment in which abortion and same-sex “marriage” are deemed rights. She ended by urging Catholics to:
1. Rally for religious freedom - as has been successfully done in Connecticut
2. Do “great” lobbying – get the best doctors, lawyers and resources on our side
3. Live as people of faith and reason; be examples to the world