Thousands Attend NC Mass for Life in Nation's Capital

From the Diocese of Raleigh website:

Several thousand Catholics from North Carolina braved cold drizzle Monday, January 23, 2012, to take part in the National Right to Life March in Washington, D.C. The annual event marks the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court’s controversial Roe v. Wade Decision, which allows abortion on demand.

Prior to joining the march, the faithful from the Diocese of Raleigh and the Diocese of Charlotte attended a North Carolina Mass for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge was Principal Celebrant and Homilist. Concelebrating were Priests from both dioceses. Also in attendance were deacons and seminarians from Raleigh and Charlotte.

The theme of Bishop Burbidge’s homily focused on all that is possible. Giving words of encouragement, Bishop Burbidge said it is possible to replace “‘a culture of death” with the “Gospel of Life.”

“It is possible to change the hearts of elected officials,” Bishop Burbidge said, “so that their decisions, actions and votes ensure a society in which all people are treated equally and never denied the right to be born and to live with dignity and respect.”

Noting how the shared hopes and prayers of the faithful are rooted in The Truth, which is Jesus, Bishop Burbidge said, “His mandate is that life from the moment of conception to natural death must be revered, defended and protected.” The Bishop added, “and that respect and dignity are shown to all of His people, especially the unborn, weak, vulnerable, the needy and those whose rights and freedom are violated.”

The Washington Basilica:

Entrance procession of servers, seminarians, deacons, priests, and Bishop Burbidge:

At the March for Life the following day, I ran into my good Mercedarian friends, Fr. James and Brother David: