Article by Phoenix writer Sophia Kelly ’26:
On January 23, members of our junior and senior classes headed down to Washington D.C. for the annual March for Life held on January 24.
The March for Life began in Washington, DC in 1974. This peaceful, national protest is in response to Roe v. Wade, a decision that legalized abortion. Annually, thousands gather to advocate against the legalization of abortion and to uphold the sanctity of life.
Participating in the March for Life has been a Kellenberg tradition for years, and this is the second year since the COVID-19 pandemic that Kellenberg has been able to participate. Students were accompanied by Bro. Michael Gillen and Mr. Krug, as they guided the students with their passion and dedication to the pro-life movement.
The night before the march, the thirty students visited the Holocaust Museum just days before International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Currently, the junior class is reading the book Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor who delves into the meaning of life. The museum served as a reminder that all life should be celebrated and viewed equally, while providing students with a new perspective towards Frankl’s words. The group continued sightseeing, and their stops included the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the World War II Memorial before they headed to bed in preparation for the big day.
The group hopped on the bus the following morning, excited for what the day would bring. Before the march, students took part in mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Vice President JD Vance spoke to open up the march, reminding the marchers of their purpose for gathering.
As thousands began to march to Capitol Hill, Kellenberg was easy to spot in the school’s classic blue and gold scarves and hats. Students courageously protested for the sanctity of life, fighting against the coldness that didn’t deter them. They met people from all over the country, including students, priests, and passionate individuals, who all showed their commitment to the protection innocent lives.
Junior Kira Petrosky attended that march and shared, “I’m so happy I got to be a part of the March for Life this year. It was so incredible to be a part of a movement that huge and to be surrounded by so much faith.” She continued to say that the march had been something she had always wanted to do, and being there was an opportunity she would never forget.
The March for Life was a unique experience where so many people with the same beliefs gathered to celebrate life.
