By Katie Vasquez
Washington D.C.’s National Mall was flooded with tens of thousands of pro-lifers Jan. 24.
In this post-Roe v. Wade America, they marched with a common goal: to defend the rights of the unborn. They marched with a purpose past the Capitol building and all the way to the Supreme Court.
The March For Life started in faith as thousands celebrated Mass with Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The shepherd of the Diocese of Brooklyn urged the people in prayer to value all human life.
“Whenever some lives become expendable, then all of life is expendable,” he explained. “But at the same time, it’s very important to apply that principle to our teachings about overcoming racism and anti-semitism, about our care for our neighbors.”
At a rally ahead of the march President Donald Trump commended the crowd for their efforts in saving babies in the womb in a video message.
“Thanks to your tireless work and devotion over five decades, that historic wrong was set right three years ago,” he said in his address.
Vice President JD Vance sent an in person message of hope for the future of the fight: “I want more babies in the United States of America. I want more happy children in our country.”
Diocese of Brooklyn marchers felt encouraged by the new administration.
“We have a president who loves children, your family.,” Ramon Quinn-Ramirez, a parishioner at Holy Innocents Church in Brooklyn, told Currents News. “That’s why we’re here, because a new regime has taken over. And I think one of life and not of death
“I’m encouraged,” agreed Maria Cardena who attends St. Mark Church in Brooklyn. “The fact that he’s bringing back God and with God, anything could happen. And that’s what we’re hoping for the children. So that is a big hope for many of us that God is back in the picture and we could expect, hope, that one day this will end.”
Whether they could be there in person or not, Bishop Brennan knows that the Diocese of Brooklyn is committed to protecting the lives of the unborn year round.
“People are witnessing to life in so many ways back at home to the families in need, through the parish outreach programs, through groups like Bridge For Life,” he explained. “I want to say thanks to everyone here, thanks for what they do.”
The fight to make abortion unthinkable continued as pilgrims returned home, with many getting ready for their own state marches and even more planning to keep this momentum going by praying and protecting babies in the womb however they can.