“Hey, hey, ho, ho, Roe v. Wade has got to go.”

These words were chanted by thousands of people who attended the 2019 March for Life in Washington, D.C. These people came from different backgrounds — race, age, ethnicity and religion. But they had one common goal: promote life.

The 46th annual March for Life took place on Jan. 18, 2019. The first March was held in 1973 as a response to the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which decriminalized abortions.

Trinity took a group of 24 students and two teachers, Mrs. Holly McGuire and Mr. Patrick Koopman, to the march. McGuire expressed the importance of the trip, describing it as a “great pilgrimage. We are there as a church. We are the Eucharist in the world. This trip was more than getting on a bus and going to D.C.”

McGuire said the march was important. “Just being interested in the issue can get you to go to the march and explore and understand why Catholics care so much about life from conception to natural death,” she said.

The five-day trip involved attending several Masses, an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, time to explore Washington, D.C., a Mass in the Basilica with more than 10,000 Catholics, and many other activities.

Students went on the trip for a variety of reasons — some went to expand on their faith, others to see D.C., while others took part because they were confused about the topic of abortion. But they all walked away with a special experience.

Trinity senior Brett Pfaadt originally went on the trip to experience new things. Pfaadt said, “I came to explore D.C.  I have never been to a political protest before. I wanted to see the culture.”

During the march, however, Pfaadt was surprised by the sights he saw. He said, “It was intense. There were so many passionate people, and at the end with the counter protestors, it got pretty wild.”

Pfaadt was impressed with the Mass in the Basilica. “To see thousands of passionate Catholics at the Basilica was mind-boggling. I didn’t know that many people shared my beliefs.”

At first Pfaadt didn’t have a strong stance on the issue of abortion. But he left with a different attitude after the trip. He said, “It was a great experience, really opened my eyes and heart.”

Trinity senior Michael Jackie went on the trip because of his views on abortion.

He said, “I am a big believer in pro-life and I have also never been to D.C. before.”

Jackie had a very powerful experience at the march. He said, “It was awesome, how I marched with my Trinity brothers in a cause we all believe in.”

Jackie described the march as “crowded but with enthusiastic people marching for a good cause. The diverse population entranced me.”

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Students from Trinity took part in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18.  Trinity teachers Mrs. Holly McGuire and Mr. Patrick Koopman coordinated the trip and accompanied the students. The group attended a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz. 

Gallery • 26 Photos

photos by Matt Gadd, co-editor in chief

A 26-member contingent from Trinity took part in the March for Life in Washington.

video by co-editor in chief Matt Gadd