ND, SMC students march for life
By ANDREW THAGARD
Assistant News Editor
One hundred fifty Notre Dame and Saint Mary's students returned from a trip Wednesday, organized by ND/SMC Right to Life Clubs, to Washington D.C. to participate in the March for Life. Thousands of pro-lifers from across the country gathered to remember the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling that legalized abortion.
The highlight of the trip was Tuesday's rally and march from the Washington monument to the Supreme Court building protesting abortion. Trip events also included a pro-life Mass at the National Shrine and a "Collegians for Life" conference at Georgetown University.
"I think it went really well," said Mandy Reimer, Right to Life club co-president. "I think everyone got a lot out of it. It was a very intense experience."
Students from Notre Dame and Saint Mary's arrived at Washington on Sunday and Monday mornings after 13-hour bus rides. Father J. Steele, the club's faculty advisor, celebrated Mass on Sunday and students spent the rest of the day sightseeing around the Capitol.
On Monday, students had the option of attending the Georgetown pro-life conference and the Mass at the National Shrine.
The conference, organized by the Georgetown pro-life club, featured key speaker Chris Smith, a New Jersey congressman. The half-day event also included interactive small group discussions and activities geared toward college pro-life clubs.
"It [the conference] was very practical," said Notre Dame student Kelly Fabreya. "It was more about working than voicing your opinion."
Smith lectured the attendees on UN population control policies and upcoming national legislation that could affect the pro-life movement.
"We think of the UN as being mainly involved in peacekeeping," said Stephen Merjavy, who attended Smith's address. `In a lot of ways they're working for Planned Parenthood. They're trying to make abortion an international right."
Among the small group events was a discussion led by Sally Winn, head of Feminists For Life, an organization geared toward making universities more open to pregnancy.
The group helps schools implement policies such as housing, flexible schedules, counseling and pre-natal and day care that make life easier for pregnant college students. The organization also wants to change student perceptions on college pregnancy and end viewing pregnant students as what Winn calls "exotic animals."
"Her complaint is that [college] women have no choice — they're being pressured into having abortions," said Charlie Cassidy, who participated in Winn's discussion.
Later that evening, trip participants were bused across town to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for a special Mass for life. Although students arrived two hours prior to the Mass, most were forced to stand in the back and side aisles or watch the televised service from one of the Shrine's side chapels.
Anthony Bevilaqua, Cardinal of Philadelphia, presided over the Mass along with approximately 50 bishops and 300 priests.
"I thought it was pretty awesome," said Notre Dame sophomore Lauren Wons, who attended the two-hour service. "It was really nice to see so many people gathering together that evening to share a common belief."
Notre Dame and Saint Mary's students gathered in front of the Washington Monument on Tuesday to participate in the rally and march. The noon rally featured speakers from both houses of Congress, pro-life activists from across the nation and members of the Catholic, Jewish and Eastern Orthodox clergies. President Bush also addressed the crowd via telephone from West Virginia.
"You're working and marching on behalf of a noble cause and affirming a culture of life," said Bush.
Students then joined between 100,000 to 200,000 pro-lifers in the march to the Supreme Court building.
"I think it was really good," said Notre Dame sophomore Tiffany Natelborg about the rally and march. "It really made me aware of how many people support the cause. Hopefully it made a difference."
All News Stories for Thursday, January 24, 2002
