TAKING A STAND FOR LIFE: Our pilgrims to the national March for Life gather on the steps of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, before joining other pilgrims for a Mass for Life.

From Munson Township to Washington, DC, the NDCL community witnessed to the value of life in prayer and action on Friday.

A busload of NDCL students traveled to the nation's capital to join hundreds of thousands of people from across the country in the annual March for Life. Campus minister Miss Sarah Reed and Theology teacher Miss Stacey Brandt accompanied the group, which also included members of the Saint Mary Church youth ministry. In addition to participating in the march, our pilgrims celebrated a Mass for Life in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Back at home, students and staff gathered for our own Mass for Life in McGarry Gym. Following communion, freshman Kathryn Burns delivered a personal witness of the value of life by sharing the inspirational story of her little brother, Robert, a fifth-grader at Julie Billiart School. Robert's life journey has included struggles with autism spectrum disorder and leukemia.

"Robert taught me not to take a single day or even moment for granted," she said. "By choosing life and nurturing every child, we will lead the world to become the best place it can ever be."