Each year, hundreds of thousands of pro-life supporters join together for the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. Thousands of others gather at smaller pro-life demonstrations across the country, including right here in Chicago.
As Catholics, we often feel out of place in an increasingly secular world, which takes every opportunity to typecast us as an extremist minority. The news media and progressive politicians seek to downplay events like March for Life in the hope that we’ll start feeling like we’re chasing a lost cause.
Well it’s not working.
A 2015 Public Religion Institute Survey reveals that 52% of millennials say the label “pro-life” describes them somewhat or very well. Pro-life groups on college campuses across the country are seeing an uptick in membership, and participation in events like March for Life seems only to be growing. Unlike with most social issues, Catholics and other Christians are gaining the upper hand when it comes to the fight over abortion, which is encouraging news.
Saint Mary Mokena is doing its part to fuel the accelerating pro-life movement, especially during October, which is “Respect Life Month.” Despite the progress being made, there are still roughly 125,000 abortions committed each day around the world. The small white crosses outside the church draw attention to this heinous statistic, reminding us to pray for an end to the barbaric practice.
The Saint Mary Pro-Life committee has also been actively promoting the “40 Days for Life” movement, which encourages people to keep prayerful vigil outside an abortion clinic. It’s a form of prayerful protest that allows pro-life supporters to gather in unison and have strength in numbers. To sign up and keep vigil, click here.
Finally, there is March for Life itself, which will be held on Friday, January 19th, 2018 in Washington D.C. Saint Mary will attend the local March for Life in Chicago, to be held on Sunday, January 14th, 2018.
Saint Mary Pro-Life Spotlight
Caitlin Shehane, a Saint Mary young adult parishioner, attended March for Life Chicago last year. Here’s her testimony:
We hope that testimonies like Caitlin’s encourage you to participate in our pro-life activities in any way you are able–from attending March for Life, to quietly praying for the unborn. Whatever you do, know that you are not alone. We are the pro-life generation, and we’re getting stronger every day.
For more information on Saint Mary pro-life activities, please visit http://www.stmarymokena.org
The Mokena Marian 