Reflections on the March for Life: January 1999

For the past 26 years the date of January 22 has come to Catholics as both a challenge to apathy and an expression of hope. Each year the March for Life seems to draw more and more young people who have responded to our culture of death with an unqualified cry in respect for life. As sisters from our convents in Tennessee, Maryland and Virginia marched this year, we were reminded of the tremendous opportunity and responsibility we have as teachers of the Faith to instill such respect in our classrooms. Indeed, our sisters have always taken this responsibility seriously and it is commonly known that within our school environments, which nurture children of all ages, that sense of the dignity of the human person is consciously fostered.

Mount de Sales Marches

On this particular January afternoon school was closed at Mount de Sales Academy in Catonsville, Maryland. While students could have stayed home, shopped at malls or taken part in a recreational activity, 240 of them choose to march for life. High spirited and enthusiastic, they followed the trip’s organizer, Sr. Paul Marie, with conviction. Senior Michele McKinnon commented, “We have a great responsibility to stand up for life because we know more. Our parents, Church and school have made us aware. We are the generation that must deal with the problem of abortion.” Michele went on the march with a heightened sensitivity, as her mother was just weeks away from giving birth to her ninth child. Between the reality of a sonogram and the theology presented in her religion class, Michele sees clearly the issues at stake. Life is precious and as members of the body of Christ we are called to defend, respect and promote life. Mount de Sales has enabled her to understand this in a way that is intelligent, responsive and motivated by the virtue of hope.

Teaching the Truth of the Sanctity of Life

Within our elementary schools, the beauty and dignity of life is explored and celebrated so that no student is unaware that life begins nine months before a baby makes his first appearance. Efforts are made to instill respect for life at all stages and to see people as made in the image and likeness of God, without regard to differences of race, age, or handicap. We are called upon to emphasize truths that have been taught consistently by the Church. Our Holy Father reminds us that in our time the loss of the sense of the sanctity of life requires that we do this consciously and with intelligent fidelity.

Dominicans for Life

Halfway through the March for Life we met up with the seminarians from the Dominican House of Studies. In full habit they carried a banner which read “Dominicans for Life.” I was reminded of the efforts the first friars made at Dominic’s bidding more than 750 years ago. They faced the error of the Albigensians, who confused the faithful with a doctrine that held all material things were evil. The institution of marriage was condemned, and while fornication was tolerated, bringing children into the world was considered a great evil. Those who progressed in this false religion went on to possess a “secret” knowledge which made them superior and brought them into a state of “perfection” apart from any institutions, and ultimately above the Son of God himself. Suicide was regarded as the highest form of liberation. Dominic and the first brethren of the Order of Preachers brought the truth of our faith to a confused world, entangled in a culture of death.

Responding to the call for a new culture of life

While technology has advanced since the days of Dominic, we find ourselves in a world with similar challenges. The culture of life in the context of the truths of our faith needs to be proclaimed from the pulpit, the lecture hall, the classroom and most importantly in the heart of the family. The prayers and teachings of Our Holy Father should be our own as he envisions the kind of progress demonstrated by a growing number of young people speaking out on behalf of the cause for life. With him we pray: “May the ‘people for life’ constantly grow in number and may a new culture of love and solidarity develop for the true good of the whole of human society.” (Gospel of Life)

To follow is a meditation from a Mother on the gift of life as reflected in the expression of joy in one family. May it serve to inspire us as we work to build up the family and promote a more vital culture of life.

Moment of Grace: October 2000
 by Jessica Zuniga

Today held an experience that I wish every mother and father could have witnessed especially those who are skeptical or afraid, for whatever reason, of having too many children.

After a fun-filled day with lots of birthday excitement, and after the last present had been opened, my 7-year old Madeline was beaming with joy as we all admired her new possessions. I thought this would be the perfect time to add one more surprise to her special day. The entire family was gathered, except for my oldest daughter, Maria (18).

My heart began to pound, and I struggled to hold back my happy tears as I began to tell Madeline that we had one more present for her. I knew from past experiences that the kid’s would probably scream and get very excited, however, I never could have imagined the intense joy that was to follow.

I told Madeline we had a present that was not only for her but also for the whole family…and…well, she would have to wait a while before she got it. My son, Joseph, quickly sighed and commented with disappointment, “I know, we all have to do chores before we get the gift.” I responded, “Noooo, you’ll have to wait even longer! Dad, tell them what it is.” By the obvious grins on our faces it took just a couple of seconds before Angela blurted out, “a baby!” As the screaming erupted, Dad added, “you got it! #10 is on the way!”

The looks on each one of my children’s faces was as close a glimpse of pure heavenly joy as I have yet to see in my lifetime. Every one of my children literally cried with bursting smiles of happiness. Jana (8) and Joseph (10) looked like a couple of firecrackers ready to explode. I can’t think of any material possession that money could buy that would even begin to compare with what my husband and I (and God) gave our children today.