By Domenico Bettinelli, Jr.
Hundreds of Massachusetts pro-lifers turned out on Sunday, October 1, 2017 for the annual Massachusetts March for Life to hear inspirational speakers and music, to learn about and provide support to pro-life agencies throughout the state, and to march as a witness to the valuable of all human life from conception to natural death.
The pre-March rally began on Boston Common at the Parkman Bandstand at 1pm and soon there was a large crowd of pro-lifers ranging from families with babies and toddlers in tow, to groups of teens and young adults, to seniors many of whom have been the backbone of the pro-life effort in Massachusetts for many years.
The speakers included:
- Dr. David Franks, Chairman of the MCFL Board of Directors
- Anne Fox, President of MCFL
- Rita Russo of 40 Days for Life, Boston
- Joan Bailey of Friends of the Unborn in Quincy
- Marianne Luthin and Mary Jo Kriz of the Archdiocese of Boston Pro-Life Apostolate
- State Rep. Jim Lyons
- Fr. Matt Williams
- Stephanie O’Connell, mother of our 2017 March Baby, Benjamin
- Cardinal Seán O’Malley
The March took its usual route down Beacon Street around the Public Garden to Arlington Street, then Boylston Street and Tremont Street, up Park Street to the steps in front of the State House, where there was a brief pause for prayer and then a short exhortation from Cardinal Seán before going down along Beacon Street and back to the Bandstand.
All along the way, the joy-filled crowd of marchers sang songs and chanted their support for the value of life as the many people out enjoying the beautiful autumn day looked on.
Thank you once again to the many volunteers and speakers and pro-life agencies who come together to make the March happen every year, rain or shine. By maintaining a visible and public pro-life presence in Massachusetts, you remind politicians, the media, and your fellow citizens that neither legalized abortion nor doctor-prescribed suicide are a given in this state. It is through your consistent efforts and support that we have reduced the number of abortions in Massachusetts in half from its peak in the mid-1990s.
With your support, we will keep our shoulder to the wheel.