Article by Phoenix writer Lauren DeRiggi ’24:
On January 20, 2023, 45 members of the junior class traveled to St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre to represent Kellenberg Memorial High School in the Youth for Life Rally. Students from Catholic high schools across Long Island gathered to pray, discuss, and learn about protection of the unborn and the sanctity of life.
The Catholic Church teaches that life is sacred and precious from the moment of conception to the time of natural death. John Paul II stated “Human persons are willed by God; they are imprinted with God’s image. Their dignity does not come from the work they do, but from the person they are.” We are obligated to honor the lives of all individuals since each person is created in the image and likeness of God. It is also imperative to defend the lives of those who cannot defend themselves, especially the unborn.
The students attended a Mass led by celebrant Fr. Sean Magaldi and homilist Fr. Chris Heller. They also led a discussion about the importance of protecting the unborn. After Mass, the students marched around the town of Rockville Centre with signs displaying “Life is Sacred.”
Sophia Paulich ‘24 attended this pilgrimage and stated “It was such a great day to connect with other students from all different Catholic schools while supporting the right to life.” The Youth for Life Rally was a great opportunity for Kellenberg students to meet others who share the same values on the sanctity of life and protection of the unborn.