The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church and St. Mary’s Catholic School will host the second annual Natchitoches March for Life on Saturday, Jan. 28. The keynote speaker for the event will be Abby Johnson, an outspoken pro-life advocate and author of the book, Unplanned. The Josh Blakesley Band will perform prior to the Rally and March. The day will begin at 10:00am on the riverbank stage in downtown Natchitoches. “We’re excited about the opportunity to celebrate the gift of life with our Natchitoches community and look forward to a joyful event,” said Fr. Irion St. Romain, Pastor of The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church and Chancellor of St. Mary’s Catholic School.
The national March for Life began in Washington, D.C. in January, 1974. Every year, tens of thousands of pro-life supporters, march in support of life. This has become the largest human rights demonstration in the world. The national March for Life “is an inspiring, peaceful, vibrant, and joy-filled rally of women, men, young people, and children from all across the country.” (See www.marchforlife.org). Together, they “gather to celebrate life, from the moment of conception, to the moment of natural death, and every moment in between.” (See www.marchforlife.org).
Local marches began to occur in cities throughout our nation to further expand this celebration of life into our communities. In Louisiana, rallies occur in major cities during the month of January. This is the second year for Natchitoches to host a Pro-Life Rally and March. More detailed information will be announced as plans develop. “The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.” Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Washington, D.C.
