Very Rev. Jamin S. David, J.C.L., V.G. | Diocese of Baton Rouge

Youth from the Diocese of Baton Rouge recently participated in the 2024 March for Life in Washington, D.C., and returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to speaking out for the rights of the unborn. The pilgrimage was a transformative experience for these young individuals, who formed friendships, encountered powerful moments, and offered prayers and sacrifices during their journey.

One student, Baylie Patt, a senior at St. Michael the Archangel High School, expressed how the March for Life was a moving experience for her. She said, "I realized that all of us were there for a purpose, and that by us speaking out against the injustice of abortion, we can make a change in the world."

Another participant, Maci Watson, from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, shared her eye-opening experience of understanding the importance of supporting the pro-life movement. She said, "There are many kids just like me who are supporting and sacrificing to march for what we believe in."

During the pilgrimage, the youth had moments of fun and camaraderie, such as winning a dress-up competition and joining with other groups to pray the rosary. These moments helped to lighten the serious mission of the march and brought the participants closer together.

The youth also had the opportunity to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where they made a connection between the horrors of the Holocaust and the plight of the unborn today. Matthew Beall, a senior at St. Michael High School, reflected on this connection, saying, "This made me think about the relationship between the Holocaust and the abortion crisis in the U.S. today, and the millions of unborn children lost to abortion."

Throughout the pilgrimage, the youth deepened their relationship with God through prayer and reflection. Addison Bares, a member of the St. Mary of False River Church youth group, found comfort and strength in praying to St. Dymphna, the patroness of neurological and mental diseases. She said, "I will be there for anyone that is on the brink of choosing an abortion. I will be there for that woman and that child to choose a better option other than abortion."

Even the difficulties faced during the march resulted in life-changing conversions for some of the participants. Mary Bollich, a member of the St. Mary youth group, shared how challenges on the trip taught her to find joy in Christ and in the people around her. She said, "Instead of looking at someone and wondering what I can get out of them to help me grow my faith, I was able to look at people and just appreciate and love them for who they are as brothers and sisters in Christ."

Emma Duvall, another participant, expressed her excitement about attending her first March for Life after seeing her brothers return from previous marches with joy. For her, the highlight of the pilgrimage was adoration with the Lord and daily Mass. She also appreciated the presence of the Mercedarian sisters, seminarians, and priests, saying, "It was so cool to get to know their personalities, what their favorite candy was, and that they could sing along to some of our favorite songs."

As the youth returned home, they expressed their commitment to continue spreading the message of the sacredness of all life. Emma Grace Rioux, a member of the youth group at Our Lady of Mercy Church, emphasized the importance of prayer for both the unborn and those who have considered abortion. She said, "Now that I’m home from the pilgrimage, I want to continue to pray more for the unborn babies and their families, but also pray for the families who have had the thought about having an abortion."

Overall, the 2024 March for Life was a powerful and transformative experience for the youth of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. They returned home with a strengthened commitment to speaking out for the rights of the unborn and a deeper understanding of the value and sanctity of all life.