Students throughout the Diocese of Trenton made their presence known at the 2019 March for Life Jan. 18 in Washington, D.C. – many witnessing the March in person for the first time. Youth from St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, and St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral Parish, Freehold, reflected on the day with a mixture of both pride and sorrow. Their powerful experiences inspired the following testimonies:

“It made me feel good to see hundreds of thousands of people sharing their belief to end abortion once and for all. Although we have been continuing to fight to end Roe v. Wade and the Supreme Court has not yet changed their mind about the law, I know that America will continue their attempt to make a difference.

“At times, the March for Life made me feel sad .... I wish that people would realize that babies in the womb are still human. Some people don’t even think they are babies! I wish people had the logic to realize that they are killing something alive that was inside of their body. It hurts me to know the cruel thinking of this world.”

– Meredith Westfall, St. Mary Parish

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“It was amazing. After many slow and long steps reaching up the Supreme Court building, you got to see the great signs and people that [proclaimed] pro-life. When going up one of the hills, looking back, you see the never-ending amount of people walking behind you, marching for the same purpose.”

– Trinidad Machado, freshman, St. Robert Bellarmine

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“I learned a lot about what goes on that has to do with abortion. I was glad to see so many people turned up, and I love seeing everyone come together to talk about what the right thing to do is.

“It was amazing to be in a place where we are all fighting for life.  A new life is a gift, not a decision – why don’t people see this? I’m so glad we went, and I can’t wait to go back. It feels like we are closer than ever to seeing abortion come to an end.”

– Jesse Lugo, sophomore, St. Robert Bellarmine

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“Attending the March for Life was an amazing experience. There were many speakers showing their support who had powerful things to say. And the fact that there was a big amount of young adults really shows that they are the future, and will be the ones that make change happen. I hope to go again!”

– Karra Lavden, freshman, St. Robert Bellarmine

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“This was my first time at the March for Life, and it was insightful and inspiring.  It was so encouraging seeing so many young people united, marching to raise their voices for those that don’t yet have a voice.  It is sad that the mainstream media refuses to cover this event year after year, but it was eye-opening to all who attended to see the numbers of people – peaceful, calm and united for life.”

– Jeanne Marinello, youth group leader, St. Robert Bellarmine