Jan. 25, 2013
Despite temperatures in the low 20s outside, a joyous atmosphere permeated Caldwell Auditorium this morning as approximately 500 students gathered before heading to the 40th Annual March for Life on the National Mall.
There were balloons and noisemakers. Students practiced cheers and grabbed signs that read "Everyone deserves a birthday" and "A person's a person, no matter how small," a quote from Dr. Seuss.
"This year we want to celebrate the gift of life, thus the festive theme," said Audra Nakas as she kicked off the rally. Nakas, a sophomore psychology major, is vice president of the University's chapter of Students for Life.
Rev. Jude DeAngelo, O.F.M. Conv., University chaplain and director of Campus Ministry, thanked the more than 200 CUA student volunteers who offered hospitality to more than 1,200 pilgrims who spent the previous night in the University's Raymond A. DuFour Athletic Center. He then led the group in a prayer.
"We come knowing that our country is in need of a culture of life," he said.
Before joining the students on the National Mall with his wife Jeanne, President John Garvey spoke about the 55 million lives that have been lost since the United States Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade made abortion legal in 1973. He cited examples of the growing acceptance of abortion in American society. He compared the 40 years of abortion to the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering the desert.
"Roe v. Wade may not be overturned during our lives," he said. "We may lose ground in the culture wars, and some of our pro-life laws may be overwhelmed in time by opposition. But every baby we save, every mother we spare the psychological pain of abortion, every person we turn to the pro-life cause is a victory for our side.
"We must be clear-eyed idealists in this most important of all human rights campaigns, even if the media ignore us, even if some think we're out of touch. It is enough to know that our cause is just and that we are faithful to the truth."
Nakas addressed her peers immediately before departing for the march.
"Our generation is the most pro-life generation since Roe v. Wade," she said. "We have momentum and I am confident this energy will swell today as we stand with thousands."