Thousands of pro-life supporters marched in solidarity on Sunday afternoon at the annual March for Life Chicago. Among them were several Saint Mary Mokena parishioners, who braved the bitter Chicago cold to support the unborn.
An estimated 6,000 participants gathered in Federal Plaza amidst a sea of signs, posters and yellow pro-life balloons. Members of the Crusaders for Life organization provided a drum core, leading the youth in song and chant through the streets of downtown.
“Although it was freezing outside, the righteousness of our cause, combined with the energy radiating from the thousands of fellow pro-life supporters, warmed our hearts and souls,” said twenty-six-year-old Michael McCague, one of the Saint Mary parishioners who attended.
He was joined by twenty-one-year-old Mary Pacek, who echoed the sentiment. “It was uplifting to see so many other young people with the same values marching together in solidarity,” she said. “I think the future of the movement looks bright.”
Also in attendance were members of “Ignite” Saint Mary Youth Ministry. “We are very thankful for all the prayers for our marchers, and for the sanctity of all life from conception to natural death” said Craig Mazur, Director of Youth Ministry and Confirmation at Saint Mary.
Among the dozen speakers at the march were Cardinal Blase Cupich, Chicago Bears co-owner Pat McCaskey, a former Planned Parenthood director, and Relevant Radio’s Sheila Liaugminas.
“I want to applaud in a special way the young people who have joined us today,” said Cupich. “You give us confidence that the energy to protect the child in the womb has not grown weak over these 45 years [since Roe v. Wade], but is as youthful, strong and vibrant as you are.”
Now in its 13th year, March for Life Chicago is patterned after the national March for Life, which has taken place annually in Washington DC since 1974.
For more information about March for Life Chicago, please visit http://www.marchforlife-chicago.org/
The Mokena Marian 