Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

More than a thousand people gathered in Tucson on Saturday to participate in the annual March for Life, a demonstration that raises awareness about abortion. The event, which marked its 51st year, began with Holy Mass at Saint Augustine Cathedral and was followed by a peaceful walk to Holy Hope Cemetery for the Rose Ceremony. Leading the march was a delegation from the Arizona Knights of Columbus.

Kelly Copeland, the organizer of the March for Life in Tucson, expressed his gratitude for the strong turnout, stating, "Their presence sends a strong message that even after Roe was defeated and sending the fight back to the states, people do not want abortion to be the law of the land." Copeland also noted that the event was peaceful, with no protestors sowing division. "What we saw were people who were supportive of babies and women," he added.

Bishop Edward Weisenburger presided over the Mass in Tucson and emphasized the importance of personal transformation. In his homily, he stated, "While it's important to focus on laws that need to change, my prayer is that each of us will find our own hearts today, a little more converted to the Gospel, and thereby, a little more loving."

Prior to the Tucson march, thousands of individuals gathered in Washington, D.C., to march to the U.S. Capitol in frigid temperatures. Among the participants was a group from Saint Gianna Oratory in Tucson. Mary Lamberton, a local pilgrim, described the experience as "absolutely amazing," highlighting the unity of purpose among people from across the country. Despite the snowfall throughout the day, the inclement weather did not deter anyone from being present.

The March for Life serves as a reminder of the staggering number of children lost to abortion since the legalization of the practice in 1973. With more than 63 million lives lost, the demonstration aims to bring attention to the ongoing need for protection of the unborn.

The commitment and dedication shown by the participants in the March for Life in Tucson and the demonstration in Washington, D.C., reflect the unwavering belief in the value of every human life. As the fight for the rights of the unborn continues, these events serve as a powerful reminder of the collective voice demanding change.