- John-Mark Miravalle

 

 

Thank you for supporting the St. Lawrence Center pilgrimage to Washington, DC for the March for Life. We want to share our story with you. 

 

 

This was my first March for Life. I was expecting to have a great time and meet many new people as well as deepen existing relationships. What I underestimated was the pilgrimage aspect. My relationship with Christ and his body the Church has strengthened because of the uniting experience of MFL. Seeing and being around all of those people and marching in unison for truth and love and life made me think of how much we can accomplish if all of the members of Christ’s church, his family here on earth stood up everyday for our most persecuted brothers and sisters. I am grateful for all of the fun aspects of the trip but most of all, I am grateful for Christ’s call for me to serve the innocent, weak and vulnerable members of his family on earth.
Anonymous

 

 

When I first heard about it, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go but a couple of my friends said it was awesome so I decided to give it a try. I convinced a couple of friends to go with me and I was excited. About a week before the trip my mother and I started arguing for no reason. It made me think back to when I lead Kairos and the week before that all Hell broke lose. I started preparing myself for that because one of my teachers once told me “God always test those before they work in his honor.” 10 minutes before I got on the bus I got a text from my two friends saying they couldn’t go, so I got on the bus in a bad mood. I was worried I wouldn’t like it anymore. It turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. I branched out and met some AMAZING people. Coming from Aquinas I’m used to having a great faith support group, especially after Kairos and I haven’t found that until now. That’s the best thing I could have asked for from this trip. I can see myself being at the center more often in the future. I will never forget, “I want it that way.” On the bus and the many other great memories this week has given me and I am grateful.

 Tyler Setter, Sophomore

 

 

This was the second time that I went on the March. Like the first time, I had a great experience, and I am so glad that I was able to stand up and show my support for life. I hope that I will have the opportunity to March again in the future, so that I can continue to show my support. This experience has also helped to strengthen me so that I will be able to spread and share my pro-life beliefs with others.

 Jason Kroge

 

 

After finding out my roommate had an abortion in October, the decision to head out and March for Life was an easy decision. Along the way, I bonded with some good friends and found out more about my faith and just how important it is to defend the sanctity of Life. My first march I took the opportunity to sight –see around D.C., and the second I did service at St. Ann’s. It was amazing to see how much love for the children that everyone there had. Every time I see a child it brings a smile to my face knowing what a blessing and miracle they are, and is a reminder of what I hope to bring into a loving family one day. My favorite part this time was getting to meet new, first time Marchers and experience their reactions through pictures and conversations.

 Becky Good, Senior

 

 

I just wanted to thank everyone for this experience. It gave me clarity of who I am as a person and who I can become. This pilgrimage has been an experience I will never forget and it made me a better catholic.
Danny Wolak

 

 

I just want to say that my March for Life experience was a great chance and opportunity to see the unity of the pro-life movement and at the same time strengthen my faith in our goal of one day guaranteeing the right to life. The rally was full of great speakers sharing their voice of convictions and faith, and the masses at the basilica and other churches were not just visually appealing but spiritually enlightening giving me more motivation to come on our mission. In all, I had a great time and partook in an experience I will never forget and will influence me in the future.

James W. Mangimelli, Freshman

 

 

I have to say my first March for Life experience was one to remember. Before going on this trip, my main motivations for participating in the march were getting to see a new city with old friends while participating in a good cause, all for $50 on top of it all. I now believe my convictions in the Pro-Life movement have been greatly affected by the passionate members in this march. These few days have been a great spiritual adventure and I am glad I made the decision to come along. I definitely feel closer to the St. Lawrence community after getting to know many of the people that went on this trip. I plan on staying involved with this community and going on future Pro-Life events.

Anonymous

Thanks for all of your great efforts on making this pilgrimage a success.
Joel Haug

 

This would be my second March for Life that I have attended and I would have to say going again has really reinforced my beliefs. It has always been hard for me to defend the Pro-Life movement. I know that abortion is an intrinsic evil, but is hard for me to be really passionate about it. This trip, specifically, being the second one, has really made me think about the importance of this movement. Going on the march is a great way for me to deepen my faith and also it’s a lot of fun.

Steven Pascal

 

My favorite thing about the March for Life in general is the feeling of unity. The passion of so many thousands of people was very inspiring. I had a lot of down time because I did not volunteer. While exploring D.C. I was struck by the awesomeness of the country’s capitol. The war memorials especially touched me because we are one fighting for freedom, we are fighting a war. While I was in Grand Central Station, looking for a place to eat, I spotted a sign it read LIFE. For some reason it really touched me. The movement is everywhere you just have to look for it.

 

This was my 1^st March for Life, and I am so glad I went. I’ve always been pro-life, but it wasn’t until more recently that I started acting on that belief. My niece Ashley was born this past summer, and watching her grow and develop before my eyes has given me even more motivation to act to protect the unborn. This trip has been amazing; the bus ride was long, but fun. I got to bond with friends and meet new people. I really did get the sense of this being a pilgrimage. Having the liturgy of the hours and daily Mass helped me feel close to God and to the people around me. The videos on abortion showed on the way to D.C were very powerful. They really made me reflect on the value of life and the consequences of actions, especially in relationships. I didn’t really expect to come away with this on the M4L, but this trip has inspired me to work harder to be a good Catholic and strive for excellence, in everything from my prayer life to relationships, to spreading my beliefs. The actual March and rally were really powerful. It was encouraging to see the number of people who are passionate about standing up for these helpless innocent lives. I loved the spirit of prayer. So many people were spontaneously praying rosaries and singing hymns. Even if we don’t reverse Roe vs. Wade in a year or 5 or even 50, God sees our testament to these lost children, and He sees the sacrifices we made to be in D.C and witness to the truth. I’m really glad I did the volunteering at the Missionaries of Charity. It gave me a chance to get away from the bustle for a few hours to have fellowship with some friends and lend a hand to an order that does so much good work. We only got a glimpse of the convent, but seeing the work and prayer of the sisters was really inspiring to think how they dedicate their lives totally to God and neighbor like that. The weather was beautiful and though it was tiring, it was really nice to enjoy the day outside, raking leaves and having some good conversations with my friends. This trip was amazing. I have a lot to go home and mull over. I’m always surprised by how God uses the most unexpected things to tell me something. Going on this trip was another beautiful, crazy, inspiring step in my walk with Him and the people around me.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE!!

Ruth Kuefler, sophomore

March of Life 2009 was so fantastic. I really felt honored to take part in such a strong message. Our free time to spend running around D.C. with my friends was priceless and I’ll never ever forget this trip!

Amy Watchous

 

 

Although at first I was ecstatic in being able to participate in my second March for Life, when it actually came for us to depart, I questioned my decision and became hesitant. Now that I look back, I am definitely grateful for having participated in this pilgrimage. I am thankful for all the people I’ve encountered and gotten to know and I keep hope that my partaking in this event will not have been in vain. Thank you and God Bless!

Marc Tinio

 

 

This trip has meant so much to me, despite the fact that it is only my first march. It has provided me a needed boost to be a voice for those being murdered every day out of selfishness. Abortion is not only an evil that exists in this country, but in many, many other regions of the world. Every experience that I draw from this spiritual pilgrimage will make me stronger in my desire to do the will of God.

Martin Ramos, Freshman

 

 

This trip was great, met a lot of great people. Learned that there are good people out there in the world. If I stay at KU next year, I would love to do the March for Life again.

Colby Hilburn

 

 

Dear those who made this trip possible,

          I really appreciate everything that was done to make this trip possible. It was an unforgettable experience to stand at the rally of nearly a half a million young and old voices praying for life. I got chills just standing there and listening to the senators, congressman, and women, doctors, preachers and bishops who gave short speeches to tell us how much they were fighting for the life issue and how much more we could do to help them. Thank you for making this trip possible.
 Mike Colombini, Freshman

 

 

March for Life 2009 was an unforgettable experience. First off, it was my first March and secondly I was marching for an amazing cause. There is no greater feeling in the world, than standing up for something you believe in. And Thursday, I had hundreds of thousands of people young and old that joined me in the fight for life. It was a truly moving experience to hear the testimonies of hundreds that have been changed from pro-choice to pro-Life by our gestures and words. This March has given me a hope that one day life will be justified for all.
 Karlie Brown, Sophomore

 

March for life 2009 was INCREDIBLE! This was the first year that I could o being affordable and I am so glad I had the chance! The walk was amazing to be a part of, and I have to say that my favorite part was the rally. Especially being form Kansas, it was awesome seeing how much support is really going into this cause. It was an unforgettable experience and I hope to be able to go many more times in the future.

Kelsey Bob

 

    

Hello Friends and Pro-Life Supporters!
I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for enabling me to participate in the 2009 March for Life. It’s been tough standing strong with my beliefs on such a diverse campus but this trip has strengthened me to be a better advocate for the pro-life movement. Thank you for using your resources to help me help others.

You are so great!

Annemarie Slaven

 

    

So, this was my second march, and it was great. Some of my favorite moments were the littler ones, like the running jokes made on the bus rides or playing with the kids at St. Anne’s maternity home. Mutual love and harmony was really present on this trip. It’s really beautiful to be with so many people who believe in this cause. I can see the Holy Spirit shining in them. In dealing with such a somber subject, coming together as friends gives us new vigor. So, thumbs up for the March once again.

Robert Rebori, Sophomore

 

    

I’m so grateful that I was able to make this pilgrimage, so first I’d like to give a shout-out to everyone who made this trip possible. Being pro-life is something that’s always been a part of me, even though I’m not super smart about politics; this is one thing that I can be sure I believe in. It’s very important to me and it was amazing to be around hundreds of thousands of people who feel about it just as strongly as I do. I really feel like God is calling me to make an impact in the pro-life movement. I have always had a gift for writing, and I think that perhaps I need to use my talents to speak to people across the country, so that maybe someday the unborn will receive the respect they truly deserve.

Erin Lavin, freshman

 

    

I really enjoyed seeing all the supporters of the pro-life movement. The rally and the march gave me hope that we can end this tragedy someday. If the March for Life continues to grow every year, I am confident that we will no longer be ignored.

Aaron Babbidge, freshman

 

It was inspiring to see all of the other supporters of life during the march but also a bit saddening because there should be millions instead of thousands. I plan on continuing to defend life and trying to help the less fortunate, after participating in the simple house. I will continue to support my religious beliefs in my actions and voting in elections, even when my peers at KU may not approve.

Jeremy Bryant, freshman

This was my first year at the march and it was not only everything I was hoping it would be, but more! I got to witness God working through a huge group of people and also individually through me. I am so proud to be an American where we have the freedom to stand up for what we believe in. Not only did we make a huge statement to the rest of the US, but we also strengthened the bonds between our friends. From almost getting pooped on by “Bay gulls” to marching side by side on our Nation’s Capitol, this trip will always be fondly remembered.

Heather Hauskins, sophomore

 

 

I can’t stress enough how grateful I am to have been able to participate in such an extraordinary event. To feel like you’re making a difference is the greatest feeling one can experience. It was a week fall of firsts for me, from traveling so far to participating in my first march, which I will never forget. My favorite moments include the march itself and seeing all of the history on Friday before our departure. Once again, I am endlessly grateful to have experienced this.

P.S Obama should take a look inside the Jefferson Memorial sometime.

Shawn (J.D) Schaller, freshman

 

 

This trip has been an absolutely incredible experience. I have been to D.C before, but never before to stand for something that I believe in so strongly. I am counting my blessings for being able to participate in this journey, this protest, this statement, and this amazing week full of friendship. Standing up for something so fundamental has made me realize how much I have and how much I take for granted on a day-to-day basis. It was a great experience and something I hope to respect in the near future: To allow everyone life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!

Tara Elpers, sophomore

 

    

This trip was an awesome experience and I am so glad I decided to go. It was awesome to see all the people not only from KU, but from the entire country. Thanks for everything.

Leslie Sear, freshman

 

    

I’m really glad I decided to go on this trip. I had such an amazing experience going on the march the past two years with my high school that I was afraid this trip wouldn’t be able to parallel, but it definitely did. Thanks to everyone for everything!

Ben Pirotte

 

    

One Word: FREAKNASTY! (For those who aren’t schooled, this means EXTREMELY LEGIT) I had a great time with a lot of great peeps, and like in marches past, it was awesome and I’m real glad that I came!

Maria Pirotte

 

 

The march definitely inspired me to become more involved!

Allyson Fowler, freshman

 

    

This was my 4^th pilgrimage to D.C. for the March for Life and once again I was floored by the hope and passion of the entire pro-life movement. I am so proud to be a catholic witness defending every person’s right to life, and it has renewed my own passion and convictions, Yey babies! 

Lauren Whiteside, freshman

 

    

Every year when I reach the top of the hill near the Capitol building, I love to look back down Constitution Avenue and see the street completely full of people standing up for the right to life. It renews my hope for the future, especially because Lawrence tends to be so liberal and pro-abortion. The pro-life movement is so full of young people, and it excites me because we will all continue to work against abortion until the laws have changed. I really appreciate all the donors who make it possible for the trip to be inexpensive for us. 

Lauren Cunningham, senior

 

     

I’m really glad I was able to participate in the March for Life. At first I was a little worried about missing class and not knowing very many on the trip. I had a blast though and enjoyed meeting everybody on the trip, as well as people attending the March from other parishes. Its amazing to see and be apart of a pro-life movement that brings together multitude of dedicated and passionate people that will change the way our nation views abortion.   

Amy Rottinghaus

 

    

I was very excited to have the opportunity to attend the March for Life. It really helped me get excited and learn more about the pro-life movement. I enjoyed meeting so many new people who are so passionate about being pro-life. It was very inspirational. I am confident that we and the others who marched made an impact! 

David Kozar

 

 

The March for Life was a fun filled yet also spiritually uplifting experience from mass at the basilica to the finish of the march it was great to see that many people coming together for a righteous cause. This was my second time at the event yet it the best one of the two. I will definitely come next year.   

Peter Northcott

 

 

This was my first time on the March for Life. It was definitely amazing, most uplifting experience ever. Seeing thousands of people coming together to celebrate the same cause; LIFE! I was filled with hope and passion that the unborn will see the light of the world! It was definitely worth going and I will be there for many more to come.

Shireen Kukereja, junior

 

 

This March for Life was truly an incredible experience. Not only was it a chance to partake in a political demonstration but it was an enriching spiritual experience that allowed me to deliver deeper into my relationship with God. By standing up for those who unwilling lack a voice of their own, I had a chance to profess my Catholic Faith and to take a stand against the evil that is abortion. The March for life and more importantly, the St. Lawrence center, gave me the unique opportunity to so this. If it hadn’t been for the St. Lawrence Center, I wouldn’t have been able to go this year. I met some truly wonderful people, deepened my friendships with old friends, and renewed as well as strengthened my love for Christ and his Catholic Church. For this I thank the St. Lawrence Center and I hope I am able to do the same again next year. 

Kiernan Markey

 

This is my fourth March for Life. During the rally, I felt a very distinct peace and conviction in doing something about an issue I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, is wrong. I kept thinking about how grateful I am to have the life I’ve been given Not only this, but the ability I have to stand up for those who have nothing –who don’t even realize they are in danger. Thank you, Mom for choosing Life! Thank you for those who made it possible for me to encourage others to choose Life.  

Becca Ashley, Senior

 

 

This is my first March for Life and it was way amazing! I met great people who share similar views on major issues. I was shocked at how many people showed up for the event. Thanks for everything. 

Maria S.

 

    

This was my first time going to the March and I do not regret missing three days of classes or paying the amazing low fee of $50.00   I loved being around so many people of the same mind set. There is something so powerful when people come together for one cause! 

Bryan Thelen, freshman

 

     I am really glad that I went on the March for Life. It is a great witness through goodness and truth. It helps my faith so much and I think the people around me especially my family. They watched EWTN when I know if I wasn’t there, they wouldn’t have. The rally was great, and the people loved it. 

Ashley Bennett, senior

This is such an amazing opportunity to support a cause I strongly believe in and to make our voices heard. Thank you to everyone who contributed! 

Melissa Smith

 

 

I really enjoyed the March for Life. It was my third March, yet it still had the same awe inspiring impact on me. Just seeing all the people gather on the mall is shocking and inspiring. I can’t wait to go again. 

Dylan Slaven

 

 

This was an amazing experience! As my first March for Life I wish I had gone all these years before. I loved every piece of the trip the bus was not nearly as I thought it would be. Being apart of something so wonderful has touched my soul and is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life! I felt apart of a beautiful movement teaching me that coming together for one cause can move mountains in your soul. It also taught me being catholic is a wonderful belief yet we come together with other cultures to fight for one cause and commonality. Amazing!  

Colleen Schmidt