Franciscan University of Steubenville is preparing for the 52nd annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., with President Father Dave Pivonka and over 700 students, alumni, faculty, and staff set to participate. The event will take place on January 24.

Activities will commence on the university's campus on January 23 at 10:30 p.m. with a pro-life Holy Hour. Following this, seven buses filled with students will depart for Washington, D.C., arriving in time for the closing Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at 8:00 a.m.

The March for Life will focus on the theme “Life: Why We March.” It begins with a pre-rally concert at 11:00 a.m., followed by a rally at noon on the National Mall. The march itself starts at 1:00 p.m., moving along Constitution Avenue and concluding at Capitol Hill.

Rachel Lasher, president of Franciscan University's Students for Life club, commented on the significance of this year's theme. "Reflecting on this year’s March for Life theme, this is a chance for Franciscan students to affirm the mission of Christ and the sanctity of human life," she said. "As disciples of Christ, we are called to uphold the beauty of the family by supporting mothers and fathers while also defending human life from conception to natural death. That is why we march."

Franciscan University has maintained its tradition by attending every national March for Life since it began in 1974.