More than 1,000 Catholics devoted to the pro-life cause descended on Richmond for Virginia Pro-Life Day February 1st.
The events included a rally and march at the State Capitol, and meetings with state lawmakers, a week after bills that would restrict abortion died in the Virginia Senate.
Depite the chilly, damp day, a crowd gathered at the bell tower on the Capitol grounds – which included mothers and fathers, children with signs, high school students in coordinated colors, and scores of other parishioners from the Arlington and Richmond dioceses.
Speakers included Bishop Barry C. Knestout and Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, as well as the top three elected officials in Virginia. In a prayer before the march, Bishop Knestout asked God’s help protecting unborn children and their mothers. “Help us to be generous, just and open to your will to welcome and protect innocent life, to shelter mothers who are alone, anxious and homeless,” the bishop said.
“Virginians elected a pro-life governor and one thing I do know is that Virginians want fewer abortions,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin before leading the march around the Capitol.
Speaking to those who planned to meet with state delegates and senators before the rally, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears said they should not be afraid to “call wickedness, wickedness. Fight the good fight, be strong, be courageous, pray for those who lead us.”
Attorney General Jason Miyares recounted the story of a cousin who was pregnant, decided to have her baby and give him up for adoption. “We need to focus on supporting those charities and groups that work with those struggling mothers every day,” he said.
Several speakers reminded the crowd that even though this was the first rally and march after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade the fight against abortion rights is more important than ever.
Editor’s note: Look for more stories on Virginia Pro-Life Day in upcoming issues of The Catholic Virginian.