“This is such a pivotal time in our history,” Sister Charity went on. “We know that the task of building a culture of life is just beginning. How can we ensure that every unborn child is reverenced and welcomed as a gift? How can we support every pregnant woman so she knows she’s not alone? How can we heal from the wounds of abortion as a nation, as families, and as individuals? How can we spread the good news of the gospel of life, the truth that every life matters, that your life matters? Love is the answer.”
Sisters Luca Benedict and Pia Jude, identical twins and both members of the Sisters of Life, gave one of the keynote addresses in which they urged the young faithful to spread love into the culture by radically following God and being confident in his love.
“Jesus wants you to know that you each have a story, the story of your life is being written,” said Sister Luca Benedict while Sister Pia Jude added that “all of us have been chosen to exist in this moment of history.”
Mass was celebrated by Archbishop William Lori, supreme chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, and concelebrated by Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley and several hundred priests from dioceses and orders across the country.
In his homily, O’Malley said that “dismantling unjust laws is only the beginning. We still have the arduous task of creating a pro-life culture, of changing people’s minds and hearts.”
“If exponents of the pro-life movement come across as judgmental or self-righteous, we will not be heard. People will believe us only when they are convinced that we care about them, people will believe us only when they are convinced that we love them. Our task isn’t to judge others but to try and bring healing,” he said. “We must learn to love first, to forgive first, to give first. It’s that kind of love that creates a culture of life.”
Danya, Maureen, and Elveda, three students who came to Life Fest from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, told CNA that they felt fired up by the rally and even more inspired to join the March for Life and to continue being witnesses to life after the march.
“It was amazing,” Danya said, adding that “the testimonies were very powerful.”
“For me personally to see a lot of young people and families stand for life, that’s very inspiring,” she added. “I think that gives hope to this generation and generations to come.”
Peter Pinedo is a DC Correspondent for CNA. A graduate of Franciscan University, Peter previously worked for Texas Right to Life. He is a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.
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