During the March for Life Jan. 24 in Washington, D.C., faithful taking part from the Diocese of Trenton spoke honestly about the march and the pro-life cause:
• “When I went to the march, I expected there to be a lot of people, but not as many people as I saw. The most powerful part of the day was when we walked up the hill and turned around and saw all the people at the march. I also thought it was powerful when people started to pray the Rosary.” – Gracie Vidal, St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, and a student in Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River
• “It’s important for Catholics, especially youth, to join the march because it’s important to stand up for unborn babies. I walked with my family because I want them to change the law so babies can be born. – Hailey Vidal, St. Mary Parish, Barnegat; fourth-grade student in St. Mary Academy, Manahawkin
• “I felt that the march would be a great opportunity for me to express myself and my beliefs. As passionately as I feel about the pro-life movement, as a young person in the world it is difficult to back up my beliefs with actions. I feel that the march is a perfect forum for the voices of today’s youth to be heard and recognized. Change happens in small stages, little by little. Of course, I cannot expect us to end the abortion crisis, but I am hopeful that the march will inspire a change of heart in at least some people. Even the smallest of victories is a triumph nonetheless.” – Seton Smith, Red Bank Catholic High School
• “This was my third year attending … and the overwhelming amount of youth was a pleasant surprise. I think the most powerful part of the day was seeing so many people around my age coming together, singing chants, phrases and waving their signs around. It’s not something you see very often in my generation. This experience, as it always does, makes me feel I am not alone. It is empowering to physically see that there are so many others fighting for the same reason that I am. – “Adrianna Kappmeir, St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, parish youth ministry member and student in Barnegat High School
• “I am making this trip to protect those who cannot protect themselves. The audacity of a human being to kill something so helpless is outrageous and near unbelievable. I know it is my duty to God to make a change. I look forward to changing people’s minds about abortion and giving children the chance for a bright future. I truly feel special, as if I am making God proud.” – Sawyer Lilley, St.Mary Parish, Barnegat; parish youth ministry member and student in St. Mary Academy, Manahawkin
• “This is my third march, and every time I go it always feels like I am a part of something bigger than myself, and that I am fighting for something bigger than myself. I am making this trip because I believe that all life, born and unborn, have value and all life should be cared for. I am looking forward to seeing all the people there supporting life in all stages.” – Andrew Simoes, Red Bank Catholic High School
• “I am looking forward to making a point that every single person in this world is loved by someone, but these precious babies never get that opportunity. I expect a lot of passionate people … and other people with different opinions. Going to the march is making me feel like I have a say as a youth and part of the new generation of how we will handle this situation now and in the future.” – Riley Donlon, St. Mary Parish, Barnegat; parish youth ministry member and student in Brackman Middle School
• “Participating in the march, I realize that my position on the matter of life is so small compared to the whole faction of people who also choose life. But even though I may be a small fish in a sea of others, each of our voices melts together to create one big sound that echoes around the world. Being a part of something universal helps me realize that although I may be a part of something bigger than myself, without me and every other small voice, there wouldn’t be a big something: a fight for life. I hope in my life that I, or we all, can impact the lives of many people of every gender, race and ethnicity. The impact I aim to leave on people is that of hopefulness and love. I want people to understand that they have nothing to fear in choosing life.” – Johanna Graham, Red Bank Catholic High School