#MarchForLife Rally 2020 in Washington DC

On January 24th, we participated on the 47th Annual March for Life Rally in Washington DC.   My daughter’s school, Madonna High School, spearheaded this effort.  This is one of the annual activities that they participates into as part of the continuing effort of marching for the unborn.  This year, they invited St. Joseph the Worker students to join.   My son wanted to go too so I decided to participate as well.  My husband and I originally planned on going together but he was just getting over his sickness and we also have our dogs to take care to so he stayed behind.

I had to attend an online training and be certified before I could go.  It’s one of the requirements in Madonna for chaperoning.  This never came up at St. Joe’s when I had to chaperone for my daughter during their trip to DC so I didn’t know but glad I  am now certified.  It’s an-hour online course and it’s actually very enlightening, I’ve learned things about safe rules on children’s safety and legal ways in handling things.

Anyway, we left Weirton at 1:30 in the morning of Friday.   I wasn’t able to sleep in the bus at all.  We arrived at iHop in Frederick Maryland around 5 am.  The school have made the reservation for us back in December, we thought we had plenty of time to eat our breakfast and continue with our trip.  We met a stumbling block at iHop, they only have 2 servers and it took so long for them to serve the food.  We even ordered the special they offered as they said it would be easier if we all order the same thing.  Two of our students, including my daughter, didn't get their food.  We didn't have much time to wait so we left disappointed with their service.

The first part of this journey is the Youth Rally at Capital One Arena.  As I checked in, the security guard questioned me for the camera I had with me.  She said that professional cameras are not allowed inside.  She advised me to leave it our car but since our bus has already left, I couldn't do that.  She then took me to the guest information office so I can leave my camera there but luckily, the lady there said that there's no problem with me having the camera inside the arena, phew!  

I found this rule ridiculous because the reason why they're not allowing pro-camera like mine is that it can record video, well if that's the case then all cellphones won't be allowed since almost all cellphones can do that as well.  Glad I dodged that problem and got it resolved.

The youth rally was almost over when we arrived due to the issues we've faced early on so all we witnessed is the mass where there are so many priests from across the country have celebrated.  The arena was packed with young generation from different states.  Our parish priest said in all the years he has attended this event, that arena has never been filled like this year.  I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we have a Pro-life of a President in the White House who value the right to life of the unborn.

My pride and joy right here.  They inspired me to join as well and make a stand.  This is the first time I went somewhere with both of them without my husband.  This will be one of our fondest memories to cherish.  I am super proud of both of them. 

It was a nice time also to be able to learn a little bit about the new bishop bishop in our diocese.  I think Bishop Brennan is very down to earth, he seem to genuinely care .  His vibe is so different from the disgraced  former bishop, Bransfield.

We lost the bishop towards the end of the march but glad that he found his way back into the bus safe and sound.

Fr. Dennis Schuelkens is truly a good leader of our church.  He leads us the way a priest would in his community.  I have nothing but good praise for him.

I was very glad to be able to share this experience to two of the moms I am close friends with from school.

My son, did not have any issues falling asleep in the bus so he was fully energized during the march.

My daughter on the other hand did not catch a wink.  She's like me who find it very difficult to sleep in those kind of setting so she was exhausted and I can tell that she was already feeling sick.

This group of kids from St. Joseph are the pioneer in joining this big movement for the first time.  I am glad that Madonna High School decided to invite them.  Their religion teacher, Ms. Moore was with them.

The freshmen group of Madonna have stepped up their game also.  This is the first year where the majority of the participants are from the first year students.  Way to go class of 2024, we are very proud of you!

My son was my bus-buddy, it was great riding a bus with you Bud.

Coming home from DC, I was feeling sick.  My throat was painful and I was coughing.I think the lack of sleep and exhaustion from the trip got to me.  Both my daughter and I were sick for a week.  Despite the sickness, I would definitely do it again, it's a great cause and if nobody will fight for the right to life of the unborn, it would be terrible.  I thank the organizers at Madonna especially Mrs. Granato for letting us join and for ensuring that every one of us were safe during the trip.

"Together, we are the voice for the voiceless.  You stand for life each and everyday.  You provide housing, education, jobs, and medical care for the women that you serve.  Today, as the President of the United States, I am truly proud to stand with you.  We're here for a very simple reason: to defend the right for every child, born and unborn, to fulfill their God-given potential.  Young people is the heart for the March for Life.  It's your Generation that is making this a pro-life nation.  You are powered by prayer and motivated by pure unselfish love."

President Donald J. Trump