Catholics to witness to the value of human life

How God can bring beauty out of darkness will be the subject of a keynote address highlighting this year’s Walk for Life, Jan. 18 in Lincoln.

The 46th annual pro-life event begins with a 9 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Church, across from the state Capitol at 14th and K streets, and a 10 a.m. rally on the steps of the Capitol.

Participants will then walk a seven-block route to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student Union, where they can attend the keynote speech by Jennifer Christie.

Christie, who was raped and conceived while on a business trip, will share her story of how, against the advice of doctors, friends and society, she chose life, kept her baby boy and saw her family’s lives greatly blessed.

Sponsored by Nebraska Right to Life, the annual event draws several thousand people each year.

“Giving public witness here, in our state capital, is important, since most of our laws that either protect or offend against human dignity are passed at the state level,” said Marion Miner, associate director for pro-life and family for the Nebraska Catholic Conference. “It’s therefore the stage of greatest opportunity, and it’s so important that we be there to give that witness to the dignity of human life.”

One week later, more than 450 youth, adult chaperones, priests and religious from the archdiocese will join hundreds of thousands of people in Washington, D.C., for the 47th annual March for Life Jan. 24.

A group organized by the archdiocese will travel from Omaha, Norfolk and West Point, while those from Scotus Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School in Columbus, and St. Peter Parish and V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School, both in Omaha, have organized their own groups and transportation.

Together, they will attend Masses, including one with Archbishop George J. Lucas at the Cathedral of St. Matthew in Washington, prayer rallies and the march on the National Mall.

“The March for Life gives youth and their chaperones from all over the archdiocese the opportunity to both stand up for the dignity of the human person from conception to death, and to be strengthened in their journey as disciples of Jesus Christ,” said Craig Dyke, director of the Center for Family Life Formation for the archdiocese.

“The highlight each year for our youth is being surprised and inspired by marching in unison with hundreds of thousands of likeminded youth.”