Vigil for Life Highlights Pro-life Rallies

COVID-19 canceled plans for the annual March for Life pilgrimage in Washington, D.C. but youth around the Diocese of Baton Rouge still “boarded the bus,” and journeyed virtually for life Jan. 23.  

The theme of the event was “Vigil for Life: With Lamps Burning Brightly.”

Beginning with the first video, which was recorded aboard a coach bus the students normally would take to the nation’s capitol and contained familiar props indicating a road trip, it was clear the mission would remain the same. And there was also a technology-free zone time.

During the first session, the youth reflected on Jesus’ parable of the five wise virgins and five foolish virgins who awaited the arrival of the bridegroom in the Gospel of St. Matthew.  

Just as the charter bus they would have taken to the march requires fuel, the youth were encouraged to be spiritually fueled and vigilant through prayer, the sacraments, service and spending time with Jesus.

“Be the light in the darkness, pour that light out to others,” said Emily Froeba, coordinator of March for Life Baton Rouge.

Louisiana Right to Life gave the grim statistics of abortion.  There were 8,144 abortions in Louisiana in 2019, LRTL reported. An estimated 62 million babies have been aborted in the United States since the passage of Roe v. Wade in 1973. 

Looking at a baby’s development, a heartbeat can be detected at 22 days. At eight weeks the baby’s hands and feet are forming fingers and toes, and the arms are able to flex at the elbows and wrists. At this point, eyes begin to develop pigment. At 19 weeks a baby can feel pain. At 22 weeks a baby is considered viable enough to survive outside of the womb. 

Acknowledging that the abortion industry uses intimidating tactics and that questions from individuals can be difficult, the conference presenters encouraged the youth to build up their knowledge concerning abortion and its alternatives, such as adoption, and not underestimate how “little gestures” may influence a mother to choose life. Simply urging the women to “give you and your baby a chance” and offering support goes a long way and has been shown to change a woman’s mind about having an abortion. Women have been noted to ask, “Why would you care about a stranger?” Woman’s New Life Center in Baton Rouge, which provides women with resources throughout the pregnancy and afterwards; and Catholic Charities of the Diocese Baton Rouge, which provides adoption services, were signaled out as important resources. The youth were informed of websites which help aid mothers in crisis pregnancy situations including  adifficultchoice.com and womansnewlife.com.

The session ended by emphasizing, “We can’t do every part, but we can do ours.”

The messages left a profound impact on attendees.

Riley Forest of St. Jules Church in Belle Rose said she was touched by the fact that one expectant mother who went into an abortion clinic was so moved by the site of her baby during an ultrasound that she chose life.

“It taught me that we need more awareness (of the dignity of life) and make others aware of it,” said Forest.

Emily Lazere of St. John Church agreed.

“They (pro-life advocates) are making a difference, and that’s something I want to do.”

The closing session focused on vocations and where God was calling the youth to bring his light. A question-and-answer panel was conducted with Father Joshua Johnson,  director of the Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Baton Rouge; Father Ryan Hallford, parochial vicar at St. Aloyisus in Baton Rouge; and the Sisters of St. Cecilia of Memphis, Tennessee, whom traditionally visit with youth during a stop at their mother house during their pilgrimage and whom accompany them for the rest of their visit. The panelists encouraged attendees to spend time with Jesus and develop a relationship with him so they recognize his voice and are prepared when he calls them. Knowing one’s gifts are also an indication of where the Lord wants them to serve.

Father Johnson said, “now,” not “later,” is the time to start working on that relationship.

The evening ended with eucharistic adoration.