Won't be silent

J.D. Long-Garía/CATHOLIC SUN

Local pro-life supporters pray and make their voices heard outside a Tempe-based abortion clinic last January.

Large turnout expected for Tempe, Phoenix events marking ‘Roe’ anniversary

Since the legalization of abortion in 1973, an estimated 51 million babies have been killed by the procedure.

Both here and across the country, pro-life advocates are gearing up for their annual protest of the Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. Locally, two major events are planned and organizers say they are anticipating heavy turnout.

Read: "Why we won't be silent," by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted

The first event, “A Eucharistic March and Rally for Life,” co-sponsored by the Office of Marriage and Respect Life Issues and the Youth and the Young Adult Office of the Diocese of Phoenix, takes place Jan. 22 at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus.

The evening kicks off at 7 p.m. in the Arizona Room of the Memorial Union building at ASU where Chris Muglia will lead participants in song and worship.

Mike Phelan, director of the diocese’s Office of Marriage and Respect Life Issues, said one aspect of the evening’s lineup is sure to draw interest.

A performance of “The Vitae Monologues Drama” by Epiphany Studios promises to engage the audience with a powerful narrative of the trauma caused by abortion as well as the healing that’s possible.

Phelan said the title of the performance is meant to be a play on words and somewhat of a rebuttal to the controversial “Vagina Monologues.”

Bill Marcotte, director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Evangelization, said the evening will also include testimonials from people who have experienced firsthand the devastation caused by abortion.

“Last year there were over 700 in attendance,” Marcotte said.  “The bishop will bring the Blessed Sacrament out and we will march from the heart of ASU up ‘A’ Mountain.”

Once the procession reaches the top of the mountain, Bishop Olmsted will bless the city. Marcotte said participants will join the bishop in praying for “all the issues surrounding abortion and all the women who’ve had them or are considering having one.”

The Jan. 22 march concludes with a holy hour and eucharistic adoration at the All Saints Catholic Newman Center that lasts until 7 a.m.

Phoenix rally

While the Jan. 22 event in Tempe is mostly aimed at college students, a separate event on Jan. 24 is intended for the general public.

At 11 a.m. Bishop Olmsted will celebrate a special Mass at St. Francis Xavier Parish. Following the Mass at 12:30 p.m., participants will gather at nearby Brophy College Preparatory and process one mile to Steele Indian School Park for a rally. The march takes place in proximity to two Planned Parenthood facilities. Marchers will carry signs and banners proclaiming their commitment to the dignity of human life.

A large display of 3,600 crosses on the front lawn of Xavier College Preparatory will no doubt capture participants’ attention. Members of the school’s Right to Life club placed the crosses to commemorate the lives of the 3,600 unborn babies lost to abortion each day in the United States.

Caitlyn O’Sullivan, club president, said membership in the group is up sharply.

“This year we have 115 girls with an average of 80 a meeting,” O’Sullivan said. “Last year we had 30 with only an average of 15 per meeting.”

At 1 p.m., the rally at Steele Indian School Park will commence. Various civic and religious leaders, including Bishop Olmsted, will address the crowd.

Jinny Perron, president of Arizona Right to Life, said the current political climate is sure to draw out many pro-life supporters.

“I would say it is a critical time in our nation,” Perron said. “I think people are looking to get involved in some way to reverse this culture of death.”

She said the line up of speakers includes Rep. Linda Gray, who initiated the pro-life legislation that was recently enacted into law, as well as State Treasurer Dean Martin, the recipient of Arizona Right to Life’s McWhirter award.

“We’re excited,” Perron said. “This year we have 19 pro-life booths registered and a number of great speakers, including Rep. Trent Franks. We’ve got something for every age.”

Nearly 500 teens returning from the annual pro-life march in Washington, D.C. will be on hand at the park to talk about their experience in the nation’s capitol, Perron added.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for the pro-life community to unite and give them a place to meet and make our voices heard,” she said. “This is the year we need to claim victory over abortion.”

Arizona’s annual protest of Roe v. Wade has traditionally featured a diaper drive. Donations of both infant and adult diapers are now being accepted at numerous pregnancy support centers as well as churches and Catholic Charities Community Services. Diaper donations will also be collected at Steele Indian School Park the day of the rally.