Annual pro-life celebrations go virtual

In adapting to challenges presented by COVID-19, pro-life programs in the Diocese of Baton Rouge are continuing to speak out for society’s most vulnerable, the newborn, through virtual avenues.

Instead of the annual pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., sponsored by St. Michael High School in Baton Rouge and the diocese, youth will have the opportunity to join their church parishes and schools through a diocesan-wide virtual gathering.

The gathering, “Vigil for Life: With Lamps Burning Brightly,” is scheduled Saturday, Jan. 23, according to Emily Froeba, SMHS campus minister, theology teacher and annual pilgrimage coordinator.

The first session, “Personal Holiness – Let your Light Shine,” includes a video segment/reflection on theme, group virtual competition and flash mob performance.

Louisiana Right to Life will present a segment, “Pro Life, Pro Light.” Representatives will teach youth how to bring to tough pro-life questions to light with a presentation, “When I say, you say.” 

LARTL leaders will answer questions via Zoom.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to consider their vocational call with a video segment with Father Josh Johnson, pastor of Holy Rosary Church in St. Amant, and the Dominican Sisters Congregation of Nashville, Tennessee. Additionally, there will be a Zoom vocation panel session.

The day will conclude with a session about conversion, “Bringing Light into Darkness.” Dr. Kathy Allen of Louisiana Black Advocates for Life will give a video witness. 

A parent of a child with Down syndrome, Allen has served as director of an agency providing resources and referrals for people with disabilities and their families. She developed and obtained funding for several projects focused on providing practical and moral support to family members of individuals with disabilities.

An opportunity is also given for parishes to have confession and eucharistic adoration.

Youth can get more information by contacting their youth minister or Catholic schools campus ministers as well as by visiting youthmarchforlife.org.

Also on Jan. 23, from 9-10 a.m., Louisiana Right for Life will present a virtual program, “Stand for Life Louisiana,” on the steps of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge. The program will be followed by socially distanced “life chains” to share the pro-life message. For more information, visit prolifelouisiana.org.