OTTAWA, May 16, 2005, (LifeSiteNews.com) – The annual March for Life that took place in Ottawa on May 12th saw 6,000 individuals converge on Parliament Hill and later take to the streets in a display of solidarity with the plight of the unborn. This was the largest gathering for the March for Life primarily because over 60% of those attending were young people from around the country and especially from across Ontario. One student told LifeSiteNews.com that they had boarded their bus at 1 a.m. in order to arrive in Ottawa in time for the Thursday morning liturgical service.
To acknowledge their dedication and commitment LifeSiteNews.com offered students an opportunity to voice their opinion since the secular media in Canada refuses to do so.
First time attendees to the March were very moved by the experience. Lisa D., a high school student who attended with a group from Halton Pro-Life described the March as being “unbelievably moving for all of us. I was uncertain of what to expect at this March so I approached it with openness. It was shocking to see how many people, young and old, who support Pro-Life and wish to do something about it. Reflecting back on the experience, I feel I have been inspired to spread the word to those around me who do not have the knowledge that was taught to us during this trip.”
Some students admitted that they had not originally attended with the best of intentions. These ideas quickly changed however as indicated by Monika B., also from Halton. “When first joining the others from different schools I was scared and had a great feeling of boredom. However, after meeting people whose beliefs are as strong as mine, my mind changed. I did not realize how many people would actually be at the protest, yet alone people my age and younger. It was wonderful to hear people with strong feelings towards pro-life. It was emotional and at times shocking as I had never actually seen an aborted baby or knew everything I learnt on this trip. It was absolutely wonderful/inspirational experience. I encourage all youths to go.”
Liam T. concurs with Monika, saying “I went to the Walk for Life ignorant, and therefore relatively unconcerned about abortions, but after listening to the speakers speak with such fervour and conviction I now find it impossible to sit by and watch as thousands of innocent babies are massacred every year.”
While the March for Life is an annual event it only lasts for a few days each year. The goal is to motivate and encourage people across the country to get involved on a year round basis. That desire seems to be bearing fruit as described by Thalia R., a Grade 11 student from Cardinal Leger S.S. in Brampton. In her comments she stated:
“The conference was inspiring because it reinforced a key point that us as teenagers can influence and make a difference in this world. Another pressing issue was that every small thing we do counts and that we shouldn’t just come to the march and be pro-life for one day but we should also be pro-life every day, moment, hour, minute, second, etc. This also reminds that my calling in life is to go and serve the Lord and if that means standing up for the injustice that is around me. I also shouldn’t do this in violent ways that harmful to anyone because you can be just by changing the direction of to whom the pain is being inflicted on. This conference was just a wake call and a simple blessing in one. So much so that I have joined the campaign coalition and although I’m already active in volunteer work I will make extra room just for this.”
Sixteen young ladies from Holy Name of Mary, an all-girl high school in Mississauga attended the March. Fifteen year old Elaine S. was exuberant about the event. “These past few days have been awesome!! The march was great, getting everyone to sing “Life is the only choice,” with all the girls from HNM. The conference was great fun! Before the conference, I never actually realized how unfair and cruel people can be. In Ottawa I learned many new things and became more aware.”
More and more, young people are beginning to become aware that they are survivors, that they were born in a time when they could have just as easily been killed in the womb. Encouraged and assisted by high school teachers and chaplains, funded by the generosity of School Boards, local Bishops and both the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Women’s League, young people are being given a chance to have their say.
“There is nothing better than knowing that you have made a difference. I encourage everyone to get out, regardless of your age and gender. Make your voice, and the voice of the 2 million missing children, heard. I know that I have made a difference.” – Sabrina S. (18) St. Marguerite d”Youville. S.S.
Read the full transcript of youth comments unedited here.