By PEGGY MOEN
ST. PAUL — As with the national March for Life, MCCL’s March here on January 22, the forty-sixth anniversary of Roe v. Wade, boasted large numbers of youth coupled with a young, hopeful spirit.
Before the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life program began, Will Herrmann, a 29-year-old computer programmer from Bloomington, Minn., told The Wanderer that he is indeed “the pro-life generation” — as his sign and many other signs proclaimed.
“I actually just came from the March for Life in D.C. It was overwhelmingly young people — so inspiring to see that,” he said.
Hermann estimated that 80 percent of the Washington, D.C., pro-life marchers were under age 30. In contrast, the fractured, shrinking Women’s March of 2019 consisted mostly of women over age 65, he said.
Is he hopeful Roe will be overturned in the near future?
It has been “a long journey,” Herrmann reflected. “I’m just trusting that God is going to do it sooner rather than later.”
Ricardo Lisak, who carried a sign saying, “Thank you President Trump and Vice President Pence,” and, on the other side, “President Trump promises, ‘I will always defend the right to life’,” shares that hope.
Of Trump, he said, “He’s doing good, but I am thinking, how come the opposition is so hard?”
Lisak, who came from South America and now lives in Burnsville, Minn., said that Trump’s opponents “hate him with all their hearts.”
But “keep fighting, the victory is coming,” said Lisak, the third of eleven children. “We know that we are overcoming through Christ our Lord,” who defeated death and defeated Satan.
As is the tradition, many attended a pro-life prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Paul and then marched to the capitol grounds for the rally.
Enlivening that parade were young, boisterous pro-lifers, led by Deacon Andy Kmetz, IVE (Institute of the Incarnate Word), who will be ordained in May.
Marching, cheering, and jumping, they chanted “Pro-life is the way to go,” “We love babies, yes we do,” “The Blessed Mother loves them too.”
Deacon Kmetz told The Wanderer that the young pro-lifers came from the youth group at Saints Peter and Paul Parish and the IVE minor seminary, both in Mankato, Minn.
Joanie Nelson, from the Pine City area, came to the MCCL rally with her four-year-old granddaughter, one of the many children participating.
Her granddaughter was born without a dad in her life — but “my daughter chose life,” said Nelson.
Nelson’s daughter first went to Planned Parenthood, who offered her no help other than an abortion. She then went to Pregnancy Resource Center, who gave her the assistance she needed.
After the thousands rallied in the knifing cold, MCCL held a brief program at the top of the capitol steps.
Leo LaLonde, MCCL president, greeted the marchers: “So happy to see that so many of you have come….The day may be cold, but your hearts are warm.”
Andrea Rau, MCCL legislative director, then said: “If we have to, we will be outside in January for 40 more years.”
Rau also recognized the many from Silent No More — those who regret having abortions — and said: “You stand as a witness. . . . Thank you for being here.”
Rev. John Frese, Grace Covenant Church, Bloomington, Minn., gave the invocation: “You have shown us grace and mercy…there are children in our country who never have the chance to cry out to you.”
MCCL’s legislative agenda dominated the program: The agenda urges lawmakers to enact legislation ensuring that women have the option to view their ultrasound prior to undergoing abortion. Ultrasound is usually performed before an abortion, but women generally aren’t offered the chance to see, according to MCCL. An MCCL-backed ultrasound bill passed through both the Minnesota House and Senate last year, but it was vetoed by pro-abortion Gov. Mark Dayton.
“Women deserve to see the truth that an ultrasound shows,” said MCCL’s Robyn Swiderski. “They deserve to make an informed decision about a procedure that is life-altering not just to the child, but for the mother as well.”
MCCL leaders introduced elected state officials to the chilled, but cheering crowd, and several spoke.
“The right to life is a basic human right and should be protected by all those in elected office,” House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt (R.) said. “Your presence here on a frigid January day is a testament to your belief in this cause.”
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R.) cited Scripture, reminding pro-lifers: “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good,” and affirmed: “We can have hope that we will overcome evil with good,” as long as we do not grow weary or faint.
“This is a crowd that does not faint,” he affirmed.
Pro-life Congressmen Collin Peterson (D. Minn.), Pete Stauber (R., Minn.), and Jim Hagedorn (R., Minn.) sent greetings.
Hagedorn said: “Defending our God-given rights, including the right to life, is a top priority for me. We must protect innocent, vulnerable life, especially unborn children, disabled individuals, the elderly and those with special needs.”
About 5,000 participated in the MCCL rally.
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