Over 10,000 pro-lifers took part in marches across Canada from May 2 through May 11 in Victoria (BC), Edmonton (AB), Regina and Saskatoon (SK), Winnipeg (MB), Ottawa, Halifax (NS), Fredericton (NB), Charlottetown (PEI), St. John’s & Marystown (NFLD).

Speakers included Heather Stilwell in BC, Elsie Wayne, NB, Joe Scheidler, AB, Maria Slykerman, MB, Dr. Alveda King, Ottawa and Dr. William Deagle NS.

It was the eleventh annual National March for Life in Ottawa and Winnipeg and a first for the majority of others.

Encouraged by the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus (K of C) in New Haven, Connecticut, the State boards of the K of C worked with Campaign Life Coalition and other Provincial and local pro-life groups to organize a greater number of people (unable to travel to our nation’s capital) to participate in the various marches.

On the evening before the National March in Ottawa, a Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Brendan O’Brien of Kingston, Ontario, followed by a procession to the Human Rights Monument, where, in a light rain, under a canopy of umbrellas, the Candlelight Vigil took place. For many of the Catholics in the crowd it was then on to an all night adoration at St. Patrick’s Basilica.

The following day, there were three church services offered to the marchers: the Reformed and Christian churches were well attended and the Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral was jammed to overflow with many people having to be turned away. Ottawa Roman Catholic Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, who celebrated the Mass and preached an inspirational homily, brought opening prayer and greetings to the Hill as events got underway around 12.30.p.m.

Members of Parliament were introduced by former MP, Pat O’Brien. They saluted the pro-life movement for its steadfastness.

Dr. Alveda King, niece of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Angelina Steenstra, on behalf of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, delivered moving personal testimonials of their abortions.

All schools and participating pro-life, pro-family organizations were introduced and Co-MC Elizabeth Lemieux deftly moved through the agenda. It was estimated that over 60% of the crowd were students 25 years and younger.

The efforts of Fr. Tony Van Hee, fasting and praying on the Parliament Hill for over 10 years were recognized.

Nat Gallo, Ontario State Deputy of the K of C and Betty Anne Brown National Chairperson of resolutions for the CWL brought messages of support.

Co-chair Frank Mountain, of CLC Ottawa, gave the crowd their marching orders and Rev. Reynolds James of Kingston sent them off with prayer.

The year 2008 has been recognized as the 60th Anniversary of the U.N Declaration on Human Rights and our Theme was “LIFE the First Human Right”. David MacDonald led everyone in the song that he composed for this year’s March, highlighting the theme.

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, Bishop John S. Pazak, Eparchial Bishop of Catholic Slovaks of the Byzantine Rite in Canada and the Anglican Catholic Suffragan Bishop for Central Canada, Right Reverend Carl Reid joined the March behind the banner, the Knights of Columbus Honour Guard and the men and women of Silent No More.

The events of this year were dedicated to the memory of Father Jim Whalen, head of Priests for Life Canada who died suddenly in the Spring.

To a rousing rendition of our theme song the enthusiastic crowd took to the streets of Ottawa.

The March lasted for a little over an hour before returning to the Hill. The musicians, joined by a large group of students, filled the steps and lifted our spirits with song.

Once again the women and men of Silent No More moved the crowd with their personal testimonies about the remorse they feel from their abortions.

Bishop John Pazak then gathered participants around the Eternal Flame and led prayers for an end to abortion in Canada.

The tickets for the Rose Dinner that evening were sold out for the third consecutive year. In fact, the event was oversold a month in advance, forcing the hotel to add another hundred seats to the thousand for which they had planned. Many, who remembered the 2007 rush for tickets, wisely bought theirs early this year.

Co-MC Elizabeth Lemieux, (eldest daughter of MP Pierre Lemieux & his wife Audrey), flawlessly handled the introductions and announcements in both official languages. Elizabeth introduced Pat Willbond and Paul Lauzon who sang the National Anthem in French and English.

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, blessed the meal and brought greetings.

Nat Gallo, Ontario Deputy, Knights of Columbus and Betty Anne Brown, National Chairperson of Resolutions for the Catholic Women’s League both brought strong messages from their organizations.

Jim Hughes congratulated the teachers and chaperones, for their stamina, recognizing that over half those in attendance were under 25 years of age. He then introduced the Members of Parliament who were present and singled out Tom Wappel MP Scarborough South West, recognized as the Dean of the pro-lifers on Parliament Hill, for special thanks for his past efforts (Tom will not be seeking re-election in the next Federal campaign after 20 years on the Hill.)

Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life U.S.A. was thanked for his role in promoting the March and for his support for Canadian projects. He introduced Janet Morana of the Silent No More awareness campaign and praised her role in the founding.

Dr. Alveda King, niece of the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and national spokeswoman for Silent No More stated that abortion and racism have the same evil roots. Dr. King had also spoken on the Hill earlier in the day and at a press conference organized by the Parliamentary Pro-life Caucus.

The evening’s main speaker, Mary Ann Kuharski, founding member and president of Pro Life Across America, delivered a powerful presentation which found its mark, often wrapped in a humorous package. It was extremely well received by a grateful audience, left with an upbeat and positive message.

The evening ended on a high note and people seemed reluctant to hurry away because of the high enthusiasm and they continued to mingle in the corridor for some time.

The next day according to those present, “The Youth Conference was awesome!” Close to 800 youth gathered at the Hampton Inn Hotel where they were entertained by great music, a dramatic pro-life skit and educated by wonderful speakers on very important life issues.

Mary Ann Kuharski, the guest speaker who had spoken earlier at the Rose Dinner was a major hit. Mary Ann is a wife and mother of 13 children, six of whom are adopted and from different countries with “special needs” (grandmother of 14). Active for years in the pro-life movement and as a crisis pregnancy counselor, she is an enthusiastic “Cheerleader” for family life, adoption, the stay-at-home mom, and the goodness of a large family. Her humour, warmth and charm certainly impacted all the participants.

The Sisters of Life were making their first appearance since opening a convent in Toronto and their presence alone was truly inspiring. Other issues discussed at the conference included: euthanasia, media and culture, political involvement and pro life apologetics. These topics were discussed in workshops throughout the day.

The youth left with a strong determination to return next year and with larger numbers.

CLC needs a secretary for the National President in our Toronto office and a full-time lobbyist for our Ottawa-based National Affairs office. The secretary needs to be a strongly self-motivated, flexible and people-oriented person especially competent in reliably providing a wide variety of secretarial services in a fast-paced environment. The lobbyist must also be strongly self-motivated, be familiar with the Parliamentary process, be a people person and non-partisan. Both positions need extensive knowledge of pro-life issues and a strong, personal commitment to the pro-life cause. Candidates for these positions would ideally be very familiar with Campaign Life Coalition and its work. Please contact office manager Deny Dieleman at (416) 204-9749 or 1-800-730-5358.

Occasionally, it is necessary to activate pro-lifers for immediate action. For those of you with access to the internet, please forward your email address to clc@lifesite.net. This will enable us to enhance our communications with supporters for specific action items.

Yours for life and family
Jim Hughes
CLC National President