Weather did not hinder pro-lifers
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
Despite the weather-induced State of Emergency called for by NJ Governor Chris Christie, some representatives of the Diocese of Trenton were able to take part in the March for Life in Washington, Jan. 22.
Though temperatures dipped into the single digits and the winter weather conditions prompted parishes and Knights of Columbus councils to cancel their travel plans to the nation’s capital, local people joined tens of thousands of pro-life supporters in Washington to mark the 41st anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in America.
The weather also prompted cancellation of pro-life events in New Jersey including a Mass for Life that was to be celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, and the New Jersey Right to Life Rally at the State House, also in Trenton.
Father H. Todd Carter, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, said that it was important for him to attend the march for two reasons.
“It serves as a as a public witness to show how determined the pro-life cause is. Also, I see it as a way to make public reparation for the sin of abortion and to pray for those who enable it and participate in it.”
“There is always a positive atmosphere about the march,” he said. “It is so refreshing being in such a large crowd with a common purpose of witnessing life.”
Up until this year, Jennifer Draeger, a member of St. Veronica Parish, Howell, had made the trip from New Jersey to Washington nine times. This year, however, she traveled north from Tennessee with members of the Dominican Sisters of Nashville, where she is pursuing a vocation in religious life.
Sister Jennifer Catherine Draeger, said this year was extra special since it “was the first time for me to attend the March for Life as a sister!” “And to be there with other members of my community and show our support for life was very beautiful.”
With each year that he participates in the March for Life, Father Joel Wilson, a priest of the diocese who is currently pursuing graduate studies in systematic theology at The Catholic University of America, Washington, is impressed by the “youthfulness of the pro-life movement.”
“This year, as in years past, the march was full of young people and families. The teenagers and college kids who fill the streets give me joy and life by witnessing to how important this vision of reality is for them,” Father Wilson said.
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Despite the weather-induced State of Emergency called for by NJ Governor Chris Christie, some representatives of the Diocese of Trenton were able to take part in the March for Life in Washington, Jan. 22.
Though temperatures dipped into the single digits and the winter weather conditions prompted parishes and Knights of Columbus councils to cancel their travel plans to the nation’s capital, local people joined tens of thousands of pro-life supporters in Washington to mark the 41st anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in America.
The weather also prompted cancellation of pro-life events in New Jersey including a Mass for Life that was to be celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, and the New Jersey Right to Life Rally at the State House, also in Trenton.
Father H. Todd Carter, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, said that it was important for him to attend the march for two reasons.
“It serves as a as a public witness to show how determined the pro-life cause is. Also, I see it as a way to make public reparation for the sin of abortion and to pray for those who enable it and participate in it.”
“There is always a positive atmosphere about the march,” he said. “It is so refreshing being in such a large crowd with a common purpose of witnessing life.”
Up until this year, Jennifer Draeger, a member of St. Veronica Parish, Howell, had made the trip from New Jersey to Washington nine times. This year, however, she traveled north from Tennessee with members of the Dominican Sisters of Nashville, where she is pursuing a vocation in religious life.
Sister Jennifer Catherine Draeger, said this year was extra special since it “was the first time for me to attend the March for Life as a sister!” “And to be there with other members of my community and show our support for life was very beautiful.”
With each year that he participates in the March for Life, Father Joel Wilson, a priest of the diocese who is currently pursuing graduate studies in systematic theology at The Catholic University of America, Washington, is impressed by the “youthfulness of the pro-life movement.”
“This year, as in years past, the march was full of young people and families. The teenagers and college kids who fill the streets give me joy and life by witnessing to how important this vision of reality is for them,” Father Wilson said.
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