Bishop Gerald Barnes and Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Rutilio del Riego accompanied by hundreds of Catholics from the Diocese of San Bernardino, also joined their brother bishops in support. This year’s theme was “Choose Love – Celebrating the beauty and dignity of every human life.” And that’s exactly what they did.
The atmosphere could not have not been more inviting. The recent rains gave way to warm sunshine as young people and families gathered together to celebrate Life in its full splendor. What better place than in front of the very same Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum where Saint Pope John Paul II celebrated mass in 1987! It reminds us of the Pope’s wise words: “…If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life.” And this is exactly what they did at OneLife LA.
Fourteen students from the California State, University San Bernardino Newman Club also made the journey to the rally. This has been an annual commitment by their campus minister Sister Pesio Iosefo, and they always arrive with great enthusiasm. Rafael Flores, a seminarian from St. Junipero Serra House of Formation, recognized them on the train and decided to join them on the way. He said:
“I’m here to support the cause. As a Catholic, this is important.”
The youth ministry of St. Francis of Assisi Church in La Quinta chartered a bus to bring their teens. Flores said he was impressed by the large turnout and asserted: “This is the generation that is really pro-life!”
Jackie Reyes, a member of the Student Leadership team at CSUSB Newman Club said “it was encouraging to see so many college students here at the rally in support of life. I’m pro-life and I’m here because it’s part of my Catholic/Hispanic culture. I was raised to have respect for all human life. I am proud of that heritage.”
Dianna Chapero, President of the CSUSB Newman Club, admitted that it is difficult to stay pro-life in college.
“You are treated differently,” she said. “They don’t understand that we, too, are feminist. We defend our right for equality, we all want a better world but without compromise.”
Maria Bickman, another Newman Club student pointed out that part of the problem in college is the expectation of instant gratification.
“A priest once told me that we live in a microwavable culture. I believe the drive to be independent at all times has become translated into, ‘my life, my choice.’ ”
Reyes reflected on what has allowed her to remain pro-life.
“We are blessed to have been taught the importance of relationships by our parents. It is what helps us want to have a close relationship with God. When we stay close to God, we stay close to our values.”
Chapero agreed that being part of a ministry such as the Newman Club has been helpful in maintaining Catholic values.
“We hang out with like-minded people; we have each other’s back,” she says. “Collectively through our actions, we can be instruments of hope to others. That’s our message to our sisters out there.”
January 21st marked a day of hope, witnessed by thousands of young people, promulgating the language of Love for all.
Mary Huber is the Director of Respect Life and Pastoral Care for the Diocese of San Bernardino.