We joined approximately 5,000 pro-life advocates from around the state in a march around the Civic Center Park. The marchers arrived by the busload to celebrate life in Denver on Jan. 15.
Our first blessing was meeting Bert, our bus driver who took us to Denver. He also joined us at the rally at the State Capitol. We continued our journey by visiting the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Inside, we found the mortal remains of Julia Greeley, an African-American philanthropist and Catholic convert. Julia was a former slave in the Denver area and celebrated her life by serving the poor in the area. Her remains have been placed in a tomb at a side chapel as part of her cause for canonization.
"We joined approximately 5,000 pro-life advocates from around the state..."
Next, we ventured to the Holy Ghost Church for Mass and were greeted by Rev. Christopher Uhl. We joined the parishioners as Father Matthew Wertin concelebrated the Mass. In the Gospel (Mk 2:13-17) we heard that Jesus said, “Follow me” to Levi. Jesus had dinner at Levi’s house and converted many hearts. Father Uhl, in his homily, recalled meeting a young woman who had a few abortions. It wasn’t until she met her husband and received unconditional love that she had a radical conversion, a conversion through love. Rev. Uhl reminded us that preaching or condemning women who have had abortions does not change hearts, but, as in Jesus’ example, love converts people.
"...love converts people."
After Mass, we were invited to the hall for a delicious lunch, which gave us the fuel we needed to start our march to the Capitol. We were joined by many speakers, such as Dan Caplis, a pro-life advocate and the emcee for the rally on the west steps of the Capitol. Also, Donald Sweeting, president of Colorado Christian University. Sweeting remarked if Roe v. Wade is overturned, Colorado could become a “travel destination” for women seeking abortions since our state will likely still allow abortions. The Knights of Columbus spoke about their efforts to donate ultrasound machines to crisis pregnancy centers across the state. He shared the story of an abortion-minded woman who was pregnant and had a conversion of heart. She was invited to a free ultrasound and her 7-year-old daughter attended the visit with her. When they saw the baby on the ultrasound screen, the daughter exclaimed, “Look, Mommy, the baby is waving at us.”
The highlight of the rally was meeting the McGarrity family of eight children, four of whom have trisomy 21, commonly known as Down syndrome. Jeff and Sonia McGarrity cautioned us not to limit our expectations of the accomplishments of our children. Instead, we should encourage them to thrive and help them reach their goals. Their youngest child, Charlotte, ended the rally by reaching over to the microphone and saying, “I love you.”
"Their youngest child, Charlotte ended the rally by reaching over to the microphone and saying, “I love you.”
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