Although rain was predicted, the day turned into a bright, sunny one. People were handing out free signs.
It was really wonderful to see so many people from our parish scattered throughout the crowd. It seemed that everywhere I turned there was another friend coming up to give a hug. As well, we connected with Heather which was a delight. She marched with us which was a wonderful continuation of our tradition (of three years?). We looked for Mark Windsor, the founder of this tradition, but the crowd was so large that we never saw him.
On the way I fell into conversation with a wonderful woman, Terry Jenkins, from a nearby parish when I heard her in conversation about the times she and her husband had been arrested for pro-life protesting. Now, when you look over and a lovely, distinguished lady of 82 is saying these things, you simply must join in the conversation! At least, y'all know well enough that I had to!
It turns out that Terry was a veteran pro-life protester dating from the very first March held in Dallas. "There were just enough people here to fill a small parking lot," she told me. "That's the good thing about living a long life. You get to see the fruit." Beaming she gestured at the big crowd around us, "and this is fruit!"
We had a really interesting conversation the entire time and I am so glad I looked over at the smiling lady in the bright red coat today.
As well, the schedule had been slightly rearranged from previous years so that all the talks were held outside the Federal courthouse. This was a big improvement since we'd never been able to hear the ones held outside the cathedral in previous years. They were very inspirational and renewed my determination for another year of First Friday Fasting and Prayer for an End to Abortion.
So ... who's with me? Regular readers know the drill, but there's no harm at looking at the familiar reminder to get my fasting/prayer game on for another year.
A twelve-week old It all began here in Dallas -- in our home town, where we raise our families, where we go to church, where we live, and love, and learn, and work.In addition to unborn babies and their families, I will be including all those who work to end abortion, as well as the souls of those who work for abortion in my intentions. Also included will be solid catechesis for all Catholics as that is a key issue to most of the misunderstandings on both this issue and others in the secular world.
We are three bloggers who also live in the Dallas area. We are deeply committed to ending abortion in this country. To that end, we have committed ourselves to the following: On each First Friday for the next eleven months, we will fast and pray before the Blessed Sacrament for an end to abortion. This year's commitment will culminate at the annual Dallas March for Life in January of 2009, where we will join our bishop and the faithful of this city in marching to the courthouse where Roe was originally argued.
For your reading and information, here is an excellent article Why Conception? by Michael from The Deeps of Time. Highly recommended.
*I used to be among those who believed the secular propaganda that a 12-week-old baby was just "a blob of cells." Even after coming to the truth, I never knew just how vividly untrue that was until seeing this image, via Father Dwight Longenecker, who points out that 89% of abortions take place in the first twelve weeks. No wonder pro-abortion activists protest ultrasounds for mothers who are seeking counseling. This is unmistakably a baby.
Thanks for going, Julie. I'm hoping for "warm, sunny" weather when we go to D.C. on Friday. We have a full bus! We'll remember you to Our Lady at the Basilica.
ReplyDeleteWe had a balmy overcast day for our pro-life prayer breakfast,rally, and march in Raleigh, North Carolina.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to see people of all ages,races, and ethnic backgrounds coming together to speak for those who have no voice. It is especially gratifying to see the large number of teenagers and college students who are involved in the movement.
Sorry you'd to miss the Mass. Our presence at the Mass is much more powerfull and important than at any March. Only together, March and Mass, testimony and prayer, we with God almighty, are going to change things around!
ReplyDeleteI knew someone was sure to bust my chops over not being able to make the Mass. And so we see that year long fasting and prayer ... etc. ... out the window. Nicely done ma'am.
ReplyDeleteJulie, we didn't make it this year. We had some last minute health issues with both daughters, and decided that discretion was the better part of valor.
ReplyDeleteMark Windsor
I'm definitely with you on the First Friday prayer and fasting (though it's hard for me to make it to the adoration hours these days). I loved it when they had the Monday adoration times during Advent. I loved going to adoration after work.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel guilty about not attending the Mass. I attend Mass year-round, and often above and beyond the Sunday/Holy Day obligation. Yesterday was all about the march and the public witness and the solidarity for me. That's a once-a-year opportunity.
Well said, Heather.
ReplyDeleteAnd as Tom said when he read that comment, "If that's the case then why did all those Protestants even bother to show up?"
I, personally, was thrilled that one of the area's megachurches was in attendance. As well as some of the other wonderful people I met along the way ... it was a very palpable coming together of the body of Christ's separated brethren at that event.