On January 14, 2023, a number of Jesuit students joined over 6,000 members of the public at the 2023 March for Life event at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On the way to the event, a student said that he was feeling “hyped” and another said that they were “excited to see everyone come together.” In my opinion, I believed that the march’s success was not only showcased through the numbers, but also the projection of the value and importance of life.
“After many years of Jesuit being without a proper pro-life group it was exciting to attend the March with so much support from our faculty, staff, and, of course, students. The North Texas March for life is a peaceful and powerful way for students to see how many citizens of the DFW metroplex stand and support life. We were proud of our students and Ursuline’S for enthusiastically giving up their Saturday for such an important event.” – Mrs. Katy Wilson (one of The Moderators of Rangers for life)
Roe vs. Wade and the March for Life
In 1969, a Texas woman named Norma McCorvey sought to terminate her pregnancy. At the time in Texas, abortion was only legal to save the mother’s life. With the help of her attorneys, Linda Coffee and Sarah Wedington, she (under the pseudonym of Jane Roe) sued the state of Texas and the district attorney of Dallas County Henry Wade. Wade had been put in the national spotlight when he prosecuted Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated President John F. Kennedy. In 1970, a Texas district court ruled that the Texas statute violated a woman’s right to privacy.
Later, Wade appealed to the Supreme Court and the court agreed to hear the case of Roe v. Wade. In a 7-2 decision the Supreme court ruled in favor of Roe. In the majority opinion, Justice Harry Blackmun stated that the right to an abortion was implied under the 14th Amendment. The 1973 decision was upheld by the 1992 case of Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania vs. Casey.
Every year since the Roe v. Wade was decided, the National March for Life has taken place in Washington D.C. Along with the National March for Life, smaller and local marches are held in cities and state capitals across the United States. This included the annual North Texas March for Life event held in Dallas.
Mass, Youth Rally, and Meeting with the Bishop
Around 10:30, students arrived downtown. After walking around at the AT&T mall for a little while, they attended Mass celebrated by Fr. Anthony Kmetz, a parochial vicar at St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Before Mass, there was a Youth Rally and the Divine Mercy Chaplet with confessions offered.
After Mass, students walked to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and joined over 6,000 people. At the cathedral, the students with Bishop Edward Burns, Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas. After they introduced themselves, Bishop Burns thanked them for being at the March and commented that the future is bright with Pro-Life youth. After their conversation with Bishop Burns, the march commenced.
The March and Rally
The march started at the Cathedral and ended at the Earl Campbell building, the courthouse where Roe v. Wade was first filed. Young and old alike carried signs stating, “I am the Post-Roe Generation” and Knights of Columbus signs that read, “Choose Life.”
A rally was held where live music was provided by the band For His Glory. At the federal courthouse, the crowds heard from a multitude of speakers which included Bishop Burns and Kyleen Wright, the president of the Texans for Life coalition. Erin Quinn, the Strategic Partnership Advisor of Students for Life of America stated, “We are the Post-Roe Generation,” but elaborated the fact that there was still much work to be done. After the closing prayer and benediction by Dr. Barry Creamer, the Jesuit delegation departed back to campus.
Conclusion
Although the March is powerful and important, this is not the only way students can get involved. Rangers for Life meets every Thursday in B101. Jesuit is also taking groups to many Diocesan and charity events such as the Bishop’s Annual Pro-Life Dinner in March. Stay tuned to The Roundup for more news of Rangers for Life and events!
