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March for Life 2019: Washington D.C

 

March for Life 2019: Washington D.C: 

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This was my first March for Life, and I hope it will be the first of many, pleasing God. Being in the company of fellow Catholics, the Canons and the other faithful, with whom there is a harmony of ideals and a shared vision, is a great pleasure and a small foretaste of heaven, especially for a convert like myself. The simple day-to-day interaction with other faithful, which many cradle Catholics take for granted, is always a great joy for me. This, coupled with the Salesian spirit of the Institute makes for, frankly, an agreeable pilgrimage that is good for both the soul and the body. 

One of the first things I noticed was the very appropriate mixture of those needful penances and prayers, as well as the legitimate pleasures and amusements, nevertheless always in good taste. I believe this was the Institute’s Salesian spirituality in action. For example, rather than indulging in activities that would be too contrary to the “Spirit of the March”, we instead filled our itineraries and schedules with more noble things, like daily Mass, the Holy Rosary, tours of the City and the monuments, elevated conversation and singing, the sublime pleasure of sharing good meals, and such as that. This year we were even blessed by Providence to stay another day in Washington, due to inclement weather!

I also cannot help but mention how pleased I was to contrast the Institute’s delegation to the March with some other groups. I believe we set a good example: devoutly (and never too-loudly) praying the Rosary and singing hymns, marching in an orderly manner, and dressing appropriately and distinctly. The contrast was very jarring with the typical scenes of loud revolutionary chants, banging of drums like tribesmen, and general vulgarity among both pro-and-anti abortionists at the March. 

I would advise those who are considering going in the future to do so, just go with the Institute!  Ignore the skeptics who try to convince you, “You’ll not enjoy the drive,” etc. They are wrong: if you go with the right dispositions, you will find the March to be a good spiritual experience.

Mark W.

Christ conquers. Christ reigns. Christ rules. Christ is King.

The young adult group of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (Sursum Corda) attended the March for Life in Washington D.C. for the sixth annual time! Sursum Corda young adults from throughout the country joined together on pilgrimage to “Lift up their hearts” in joyful prayer and sacrifices this year.

We had pilgrims from the Shrine in Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Detroit, Pittsburg, West Orange and multiple apostolates in Wisconsin. It was amazing to see the enthusiasm and endurance in the young adults, not only through the long hours of travel on the buses and the tiring day of the March itself but also amidst the trials that came with getting back to their homes.

Initially, we were all supposed to head back home on Saturday but since the Turnpike was closed due to severe weather conditions everyone had to stay an extra day. This meant that the hotel and bus accommodations also had to be extended an extra day. Our Sursum Corda group came together to launch a GoFundMe fundraiser and were able to raise enough funds to cover some of the extra costs. Despite the difficulties they were blessed with the opportunity to spend the extra day touring the National Basilica along with their Sursum Corda friends! As well as attending a walking tour of the monuments with Canon Commins and Canon Zignego! 

All in all, despite the unplanned circumstances, Sursum Corda’s 2019 Pilgrimage to the March for Life was a huge success and we numbered around 200 people representing the Institute of Christ the King in D.C.. It is estimated that the total number of marchers this year who participated in the March for Life was an impressive 800,000! A special and wholehearted thanks to everyone who supported our young adults in generous prayers and donations! May God reward you all. 

Bernadette S.

 

Pictures: Our different stops on our way to Washington D.C

- Chicago Bus: Mass at the St Anthony Chapel (5,000 Relics!) on Thursday and St Boniface on Sunday in Pittsburgh.

- Kansas City/Saint Louis Bus: Mass at Rise Lord (Pittsbrugh) on Thursday  and Holy Family (Columbus) on Sunday.

 

Pictures: Day of the March in D.C.

- Mass celebrated by Canon Commins at St Mary Mother of God. Sermon from Canon Zignego.

- March for Life 2019

 

Pictures: Night Tour in Washington

 

Pictures: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

 

Picture: Thank you letter to all our Benefactors who have made this wonderful and grace-filed trip possible!

May God Reward You Always!

 

 

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