By Mary Huber
Every year tens of thousands of Christians celebrate the beauty and splendor of life at the OneLife LA Walk for Life.
As with many faith celebrations this year, the COVID-19 pandemic has made this year’s OneLife LA a virtual event only. This year’s theme is “The Joy of Life.” Help us celebrate together, OneLife LA Virtual, January 23rd. We will not be walking the streets of Los Angeles, gathering at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, or attending the Requiem Mass, but we can still make our voices heard in a collective and powerful way.
This year’s pandemic has certainly thrown us a curve ball, illustrating more of a vulnerability in humanity than ever before. Many have been disenfranchised and are frightened. Life can be fragile, but our Christian spirit is going strong. We are strengthened by our Christian hope and called to pray and advocate against a poverty of mind that promotes personal freedom at the cost of another person’s freedom.
Our unborn have been stripped from personhood with absolutely no legal protection in California. OneLife LA is a wonderful opportunity to be their voice and demonstrate our love for them and their mothers. We pray for the intercession of our Blessed Mother, who faced her own crisis pregnancy, to teach us to respect the life inside the womb and the dignity of all.
Let’s join the 2021 OneLife LA Virtual program on January 23 at 12 p.m. to connect together in prayer and celebration. You can do this individually, as a ministry or as a parish community. OneLife LA speakers, community partners, and musicians will bring the Joy of Life into your home during the one-hour program. Engage your family, friends, and neighbors in this movement of love. What role can we play collectively to change the Culture of Death and accompany moms in need within our parish community?
As we continue the Season of Christmas, we are reminded of God’s promise to us through the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. COVID-19 might have slowed us down this year, but we remain steadfast in our mission to build a Culture of Life, where all have a place at the table.
As this arduous year of 2020 comes to an end, may the upcoming year 2021 bring a renewed sense of love for humanity and a continued resilience to defend the most vulnerable of all, the unborn.
To receive information on joining OneLife LA Virtual Event, register at www.onelifela.org.
Mary Huber is the Director of the Office of Respect Life and Pastoral Care for the Diocese of San Bernardino.