Pro-life warriors gather in Bismarck

On Jan. 21, a group of 50 students and parents from Shanley High School and Sacred Heart Middle School attended the 2nd Annual March for Life at our State Capitol in Bismarck. We were joined by hundreds of other pro-life warriors and some of our state representatives and faith leaders to support pro-life legislation in our state and to march for an end to abortion.

The day began with the celebration of the Eucharist at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, with Bismarck Bishop David Kagan and many groups from across North Dakota. It was great to see the youth of our diocese united in faith and their defense for the voiceless and vulnerable. Bishop Kagan encouraged us to keep fighting so that we can turn the tide of this tragic period of our nation’s history.

After Mass, the marchers began their walk to the State Capitol, where the University of Mary organized this year’s rally. Monsignor Patrick Schumacher, a priest of the Bismarck Diocese, led us in a time of prayer and silence for all whose lives were destroyed due to the practice of legalized abortion. Our students heard from other pro-life supporters who thanked them for their witness and encouraged them in keeping steadfast in their defense of the unborn.

The day was filled with an overwhelming sense of hope and anticipation as our nation’s Supreme Court is currently considering a case that seeks to directly limit the practice of legalized abortion in the United States. This is a pivotal moment, an important time to pray and fast, and as many of the speakers at this year’s rally highlighted, a time to renew our efforts to support mothers and fathers throughout North Dakota so that the act of abortion becomes unthinkable.