Spring 2007, Volume 50, Number 1

34th Annual March for Life

On January 22, 10 buses set out for Washington, D.C., from Iowa to attend the 34th Annual March for Life. Sister Dolores Moes of Dubuque, IA, tackled the 18-hour pilgrimage to take part in an event that is close to her heart.

Prayer, sacrifice and sharing energized the group for what was to come. The event began with a Vigil Mass at the Immaculate Conception Basilica in Washington, D.C.

10,000 voices were raised in prayer and song for the 8 pm Mass with Pennsylvania Archbishop Justin Rigali as celebrant. He inspired and encouraged them with his words of wisdom. The next day, the March for Life processed along Constitution Avenue and ended at Capitol Hill. The rally began with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. The President of the U.S. and members of Congress were invited to speak because the purpose of the rally and march was to be in dialogue with public officials in order to change the laws to make abortion legal.

Sister Dolores reflects, “I felt privileged to be a part of this group. I carried all of the sisters names with me to represent them, as well as be a support for me. Knowing that our task isn’t over, we must and will continue our fight for life. This was a wonderful experience.”

Photo: L to R: Becky Bell, Sister Dolores Moes, Vince Meis and Joan Burke participated in the annual March for Life. January 22, 1974 is the date of the U.S. Supreme Court landmark judical opinion that stated abortions were permissible.