March 2024

     A couple of years ago, my faith wasn’t very strong and I didn’t feel any true desire to grow in my faith. I went through my regular day without even thinking about what my life would be like with a true presence from God. I had a lot of distractions in my life that kept me away from my faith including friends, social media, and athletics. I felt like I was missing something but I didn’t know what it was. 
    
    Luckily, one of my friends introduced me to St. Catherine’s CYO and pushed me to go week after week. At first, I didn’t go to Bible study or the talks; I went to socialize with my friends. After a little bit, I realized that God was trying to talk to me, I just had to listen. I felt as if He was reaching out to me to tell me to come follow Him. Fast forward to a couple of months ago, I attended the January Retreat with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO) as a work crew member. Through this retreat, I met some amazing people and deepened my relationship with God because of the influence these people had on me. 

     Luckily for me, all of these people I met pushed me to go on the March for Life. In the first year of going on the March for Life, my life was changed. I have never felt such an impact from a walk down a road with thousands of people. It truly meant more to me than I ever could’ve imagined. Before I went on the March, my mom told me a story that made me realize how special every individual life is. She told me that before she had me, she had an ectopic pregnancy. She had to terminate the pregnancy to save her own life. My mom was told that she had a very slim chance of getting pregnant again and having a successful pregnancy. Thankfully, she was able to get pregnant again and had a successful pregnancy which introduced me into the world. My mindset before going into the March for Life was completely changed. At first, I was going to stop people from thinking having an abortion is ok and to support those who went through the brutal experience of having an abortion or who know someone who had an abortion. After, I was going as someone who was truly a miracle. 
    
        I was lucky enough to be able to attend the March for Life in 2024 as well. This was my second March for Life, and it was the most impactful. Even though the March was delayed a day from the freezing weather that iced over the roads, we still made it to Washington D.C. safe to march for those who couldn’t. Throughout the week that we were up there, we heard many moving stories from not only people who are an amazing miracle because their parents chose life but also from people who have had family members or even themselves choose abortion and how it impacted their lives. During the week leading up to the March, we had adoration at the end of the night every night. The music ministry was led by The Vigil Project who has inspired me through music for the past two years because they opened the door to music ministry for me. Throughout my time in Washington D.C. God worked in many mysterious ways. You hear the way that He impacted the lives of so many because He created them. God was also present at the March for Life on Friday. Standing in line with thousands of people by your side all fighting for the same thing is incredibly moving. You can see God’s presence in each person that you walk by. Many people are praying aloud while walking on the march and others are even stopping on the side and leading others in song. 
    
     Because of the March for Life, I have been inspired to speak for those who can’t. I have become extremely involved with the Crusaders for Life and Justice club at Brother Martin which has allowed me the opportunity to become more vocal. Every time I participate in another event to speak for those who can’t, I truly feel God’s presence. Because of His presence, I am not scared to speak in public and feel comfortable sharing why I am pro-life. As I started to speak out for those in need, I noticed how some people needed to hear it. Even at school, some people are pro-choice, and having a conversation with them about why they are pro-choice helped me to strengthen my reasoning for being pro-life. 

     My experience on the March for Life has allowed me to grow in my faith in various ways. The Vigil Project opened a door for me to music ministry that I didn’t think I would enjoy but I do. All of my friends, whether I knew them before the March for Life or not, have inspired me to pray about the unborn and those who can’t speak for themselves. Seeing the videos and pictures while on the March has touched me in a way I will never forget. Since taking my experience back home, I have gone deeper in prayer. I truly felt the Holy Spirit’s presence while on the March and every time I go to a pro-life event, I know that he is there. I have allowed myself to believe in the unthinkable because he can truly save many lives, including mine.