More than 400 Catholic University students spent their day on the National Mall Jan. 19, speaking out about the dignity of life during this year’s March for Life demonstration. The march is held every year to protest Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationwide in 1973.

Prior to traveling downtown for the march, the students paused for a moment of prayer in Caldwell Auditorium. There, they heard remarks from University President John Garvey, who spoke about the youthful energy and determination that can be found within the pro-life movement.

For many Catholic University students, the march was a culmination of several days of pro-life activities. On the night before the demonstration, students served as ushers at the National Prayer Vigil for Life, a Mass held every year in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. That Mass is organized each year by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Basilica, and the University.

The University also provided overnight lodging for more than 900 teen marchers and chaperones visiting from out of town. Hundreds of Catholic University students volunteered to serve as hosts, helping to register visitors, serve meals, and lay out sleeping bags.