The Washington March for Life began in 1974 on the first anniversary of the notorious Roe v. Wade decision. About 20,000 people attended that first year but it has grown substantially. In recent times the crowd has reached nearly 800,000. Participants march from the National Mall to the Supreme Court and hear from speakers, elected officials and activist leaders during the day.
Similar marches now take place around the nation – with three major iterations occurring here in California. (Actually, similar events are also held around the world. Paris, Warsaw and Prague all have had marches for life.)
Events that promotes life, solidary with our neighbors, the common good, justice and forgiveness are a wonderful way to participate in the Extraordinary Year of Mercy.
The Walk for Life West Coast – taking place in San Francisco – began in 2005 with around 7,000 participants and in recent years the crowd estimates have reached around 50,000. This year the walk will be on Saturday, January 23, 2016 beginning in Civic Center Plaza at 12:30 PM. Other details can be found at the event’s website – http://www.walkforlifewc.com/.
Last year, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles held the inaugural One Life LA, designed as a catalyst for encouraging and celebrating a passion for life among all people. About 15,000 people participated in the first One Life LA and that number is only expected to grow.
“Let’s make the world a better place by living for others and performing works of mercy,” says the One Life LA website. “In this way, we can build up a culture of life in Southern California and in our world.”
The event will take place on January 23. In addition to the speakers and march, a Requiem Mass for the Unborn takes place at the Cathedral to close out the day. Details can be found at the One Life LA website – http://onelifela.org/
For the third year in a row, San Diego will also hold a Walk for Life through Balboa Park. Details are at their website – http://sandiegowalkforlife.net/. As with the other events, San Diego will involve an array of speakers, exhibitors and inspirational happenings. The theme this year is Walking the Walk.
Of course, the original March for Life in Washington DC is also scheduled. Except for some rare occasions, the March for Life is held on the actual anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision – January 22. Details are here – http://marchforlife.org/mfl-2016/.
These are the major events taking place but many other pro-life organizations and parishes hold rallies, prayer vigils and seminar throughout California. Check with your diocesan pro-life office [http://www.cacatholic.org/about/respect-life-directors] for more information.