CHOOSE LIFE!

This evening we continued our custom of many years of watching the Vigil Mass for Life at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. For many of us who have never been to a March this is a wonderful way for us to experience a bit of what our brothers and sisters in Christ experience and helps us more intensely unite our prayer and sacrifice with them. Watching the jam-packed basilica we could see many tired faces—people who travelled many miles to show their support for life.

It was especially heartening to hear Cardinal Rigali announce that there were SO MANY PEOPLE who wanted to attend the Vigil Mass that they had to be turned away and several other Bishops celebrated Mass at other location to accommodate them.

Sr. Maria Teresa recalled how last year the only spot she could find was in the stairwell! Both the upstairs and downstairs churches were so full! As we enjoyed recognizing priests and religious and trying to see if we could recognize anyone (Carri, we couldn't find you!) Sr. Maria Teresa remarked: "Watching the religious and trying to figure out what Order they belong to is a lot like birding— except that I don't have a guidebook!"

Tomorrow will be a day of solemn fast and a retreat day as we, along with people all over the world stand up and support the gift of Life on this day! Yes, we said all over the world. Did you know that even in the Czech Republic a march is held in Prague on this day?

May God pour an abundance of his grace on all those who work for the sanctity of life and on those who oppose life so that their hearts will turn to Him who is our Way, our Truth, and our LIFE!

God bless America!

Special thanks to Iowans for Life for the picture of this beautiful baby above!