By Mary O’Connor, ’21:
On January 29, juniors and seniors from the St. Thomas Aquinas League, Adele club, and Faustino club rallied together to march for life.
Every year, members of the junior class are selected to travel to the capital and participate in a national March to honor the belief that life at every stage is blessed and must be protected. Because of the tens of thousands of people, this event attracts, as well as the COVID-19 restrictions of this year, the national event was held virtually. To maintain Kellenberg’s tradition, though, members of three clubs within Kellenberg safely marched on Long Island, complete with masks, safety protocols, and “Defend Life!” signs.
The day started with students and teachers gathering at Saint Agnes Cathedral, the seat of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. The marchers participated in a televised Mass and listened to the words of Bishop John Barres, Father Micheal Duffy, and Latin School Chaplain, Father Daniel Griffin, S.M. Bishop Barres gave the homily for the Mass and focused it on the sanctity of life and its importance, as well as its need for love and respect.
Molly McGoldrick, President of St. Thomas Aquinas League, reflected on the homily. “Life is God‘s greatest gift. It is important to stand up for those who can’t defend themselves and to spread knowledge while doing it. Whether you follow religious beliefs or not, life is valuable and sacred. Recently it has become easier for people to stop acknowledging that. Life has become a debate topic, yet it is still one that people keep themselves in the dark about. We must strive to change because life is our greatest blessing.”
After Mass, the group walked down the blocks near the church, pushed forward by the fight for the preservation of life.