In the hopes of one day seeing the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision overturned, pro-life supporters from the midwest gathered Saturday at the Capitol for a march and rally encouraging the choice of life.
Other activities leading up to the march included a Eucharistic procession and Traveler's Mass on Monday to send off local residents to the national Right to Life march in Washington, D.C.
Several members of the local Vitae Foundation staff took part in the national activities in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday and
Wednesday, including Dr. Pat Castle, who will take over as Vitae president this summer, emceeing the Annual Law of Life Summit.
A Holy Mass was celebrated on behalf of pro-life efforts Wednesday.
A prayer vigil was held Thursday at the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic.
And Friday a prayer vigil was held in the morning.
Saturday's events began with a 5K sponsored by LIFE Runners and Rosary and Divine Mercy being prayed at the Capitol.
The 4th annual Midwest March for Life prayerfully commemorates the deaths of 56 million innocent babies in 41 years, since the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade decision legalized abortion.
Participants carried signs and walked together from the governor's mansion to the Capitol on Saturday morning. And an informational luncheon followed at St. Peter Catholic Church's Selinger Center.
Steve Karlen, director of the North American Outreach for 40 Days for Life, spoke at both the rally and the luncheon.
When the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics agreed to perform late-term abortions, Karlen spearheaded a statewide response drawing thousands to participate in demonstrations, vigils and rallies.
Soon after, the late-term abortion plan was scrapped.
In addition to Karlen, guest speakers included Carl Landwehr, Vitae Caring Foundation; Pam Fichter, Missouri Right to Life; Mike Hoey, executive director of Missouri Catholic Conference; Bridget VanMeans, ThriVe St. Louis; Brian Westbrook, Coalition for Life St. Louis; Bill Pauls, LIFE Runners; and Reagan Nielsen, Students for Life.
The theme this year is "For the Honor and Glory of Jesus Christ and in Defense of Human Life."
On the Web:
www.midwestmarchforlife.com