Alyssa Behrend, Computer Science, 2nd Year

At the end of a very long day, I sat in a pew. Looking up and around at all the paintings covering the walls and the ceilings, I felt a sense of peace and a sense of home. I sat and recalled the events of the day.

Rising early, I stood in the same church, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C., and witnessed so many of the faithful praying for life for all. Crowds moved past famous buildings and museums, and we all filed together in front of the Washington Monument. We stood shoulder to shoulder listening to the speakers at the rally and commented on posters people held above their heads (especially the Baby Yoda ones). We encouraged each other though the aches and pains of standing all day. Ushered forward, we in the masses marched to the Capitol, praying, chanting, and cheering for life.

In our spare time, after all the commotion of the day, a small group of us retreated back to the basilica. Even though I was exhausted and felt so achy, I felt profound peace and belonging to the Father. He called me His and to rest with him. 

This also reminded me of why I attended the March for Life. We marched for the dignity of all. From the moment of our conception, we are called beloved. We are known by the Father. We are cherished and wanted, no matter the stage of life. We are not a cluster of cells that happen by chance. There are people who do not know this, and we have the duty to proclaim the truth. That truth is that you have been loved since you became a thought in God’s mind. You do not have to earn it, and there is nothing you can do to change it. He has a will and a purpose for your life as well as every other person. 

That’s why I marched. To defend life for those who cannot. To stand for the dignity of the human person. To show others how important this is. To act in love. And where there is love, there is life.