Lasallians March for Life in Nation’s Capitol

provided by Br. Paul Avvento, FSC – Teacher, St. John’s College High School

Washington, DC – More than 300 Lasallian students, along with accompanying educators/chaperones, from 14 ministries traveled to the nation’s capitol for the annual March for Life, January 18, 2019. In its 46th year, The March for Life Rally took place at noon at 12th St. on the National Mall, in between Madison Drive and Jefferson Drive. Following the Rally, the March traveled down Constitution Avenue between 12th and 14th Streets at 1:00 pm.

With groups from Lasallian schools from all over RELAN, it was a great opportunity to gather together in Washington, DC. Special thanks to St. John’s College High School for being a gracious host to the Lasallians that gathered for the Rally and March, subsequent dinner and prayer, and even overnight accommodations at 2607 Military Road, and a very special thanks to Brother Paul Avvento, FSC, for acting as coordinator/point person for our Lasallians.

Quotes from DENA Students and Chaperones

“The March for Life was a great experience for us as CBA students, as it reinforced the strong conviction to Catholic beliefs and morals. The trip to D.C. also allowed the CBA community to form a meaningful connection with other Lasallian schools from across the country.” -Alec Noe, Senior – CBA Lincroft

“I thought it was amazing to see how this March is driven by love and not by hate, like so many others. It was fun to get to meet the students from the other Lasallian schools and I would highly recommend this trip because it was truly a one-of-a-kind experience.” -Matt Michelli, Senior – CBA Lincroft

“I attended the March for Life because I am passionately pro-life and because I was so inspired from the previous Masses that I attended. It felt warm and comforting. I always forget that there are other schools and people who share the same points of view as I do. It was a great experience!” -Maeve Ryan, Freshmen – St. John’s College HS

“I was impacted by the amount of people from all over the world at the march. It was amazing to see so many people from all over the World all in the same place, united for one cause.” -Parker Kuchulan, Senior – De La Salle Collegiate HS

“My parents always told me that the March for Life was a monumental event and that I should go on it at least once in my life. Since the major news networks give little if any coverage to the March, I decided to go this year to see firsthand how many people attend the March. One of the speakers noted that the most dangerous place in America is in the womb. Something about the backwardness of that really struck me. The March for Life is unique in that you aren’t marching for yourself; you’re marching for the millions of unborn babies who have no voice. I think this generation is different because many of us have seen sonograms of our baby siblings or cousins in the womb. It makes the abortion issue more real and personal. We can understand even at a young age that life begins at conception.” -Alex Hartman, Senior – St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute

“It has been several years since I have been able to attend the March for Life. I am so grateful our school’s leadership team was supportive and encouraged us to bring a group of seniors. The March is not only an opportunity to peaceful stand up for life in all its stages, but it is a beautiful gathering and sign of unity as Lasallians, Catholics, Christians, and people who celebrate the dignity of life from conception to natural death.” -Mr. Joshua Gehl, Chaperone – St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute

“The 2019 March for Life was a beautiful witness. What a wonderful way to begin the New Year—putting our faith into action as a Lasallian family—together and by association. At Blessed Sacrament in DC, the parish has been praying the Novena for Life (adapted from the USCCB’s literature) as a community. I was particularly struck by the Jan. 15 prayer: “Our relationships on this earth are meant to help us grow in God’s perfect love. Everyone we encounter is a gift, not because of what they can do or accomplish, but because of who they are—a beloved child of God. May each of us experience the power of God’s transforming love, that our eyes may be opened to the incredible beauty of the people the Lord places in our lives.” As the theme for this year’s March confirms, we are—all of us—unique, and uniquely called to promote the Culture of Life. In the days following the March…several of my students and I have recently joined the efforts of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Potomac in raising money and awareness for the good work of Shady Grove Pregnancy Center in Gaithersburg, MD. Let’s explore these and other opportunities for us to dedicate ourselves to standing for the Culture of Life for the rest of 2019!” -Ms. Irene Murphy, Chaperone – St. John’s College HS

“It was a great experience to be surrounded by other Lasallians from across the region sharing hope and prayer for the restoration of human dignity and respect. To see our mission of “providing a Christian and human education” being lived in action is a visible sign of the transformative nature of the Lasallian charism. Uniting in this Jubilee Year provided an even more meaningful experience as we shared our Lasallian Vocation together.” -Br. Paul Avvento, FSC, Chaperone – St. John’s College HS