I signed up to attend the 2025 March for Life in Washington, D.C. Little did I know how great an impact the event would have on me. I had long intended to attend the March for Life but life's demands somehow seemed to get in the way. Thankfully I was able to participate this year.
Father Brian Maxwell and I joined the Respect Life Ministry of the Archdiocese of Hartford. We bused down to D.C., enjoying camaraderie, prayer, and a movie. For someone who generally does not like bus trips, it was enjoyable and went by very quickly. After checking into our hotel, we bused over to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception to attend the March’s Vigil Mass.
The Basilica is beautiful. Fill to capacity with thousands praying for life, and it becomes even more beautiful! When I say full, I mean it. There was standing room only, and people also occupied the crypt where the Mass was live-streamed. Prior to Mass, hundreds of people were receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation. There were too many bishops and archbishops to count, and there were hundreds of priests concelebrating and many deacons serving at Mass. Participating in this Mass was a very moving experience.
After a good night’s sleep, we met for Mass at our hotel. Bishop Paul Loverde, a priest incardinated in the Diocese of Norwich, former Auxiliary Bishop of Hartford, Bishop of Ogdensburg, N.Y., and now Bishop Emeritus of Arlington, Va., celebrated Mass for us. Following Mass, we enjoyed breakfast and a presentation by Bishop Loverde, then we were off to the Pro-Life Rally and March.
The crowds were awesome. I had never seen such a huge collection of people. While it took some time to go through security, we all made it to the rally point at the base of the Washington Monument. There, we heard very well-done and inspirational presentations, all reflecting on the importance of protecting the unborn and the sanctity of life. Some of the speakers were Jeanne Mancini, President of March for Life; abortion survivor Josiah Presley; and former abortionist Dr. Catherine Wheeler. Our keynote speaker was Bethany Hamilton, the author of the book Soul Surfer, which details her loss of an arm during a shark attack and how her faith gave her strength to return to surfing and inspired her desire to impact human life. The book was made into a movie, which we watched during our bus ride to D.C.
Following the rally, we marched in what was the largest parade I have ever experienced.
As we walked from the Washington Monument to the Supreme Court building, I was amazed at how people came from all over the country. Some were pushed in strollers, some had wheelchairs—all were joyful and hopeful that our efforts would lead to saving lives. The number of youth groups was inspiring. While the sheer number of marchers shut down a good portion of the city, there was a noted absence of coverage by the news agencies. This is a sad reality of our society. As Catholics, we should help to illuminate this issue to all. We are the hands and feet of Jesus and should be ready to respond to: “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Our group boarded the bus close to our finish point and then journeyed back to Connecticut. While we were physically tired, the spiritual excitement was evident. It was an incredible experience to join with others to show support and pray for our most vulnerable brothers and sisters—the unborn.
As you might perceive, the March was not just a march but more of a pilgrimage. I encourage you all to consider attending next year. I hope to coordinate a bus trip from our diocese. Meanwhile, consider participating in the upcoming Connecticut March for Life, which will be held in Hartford on Wednesday, March 19. With Roe v. Wade overturned and abortion legislation now determined by individual states, it's crucial to demonstrate our opposition to abortion.
More information can be found at: marchforlife.org/connecticut/.
By Deacon Mark Desrosiers
