Youth Profoundly Changed During March for Life Pilgrimage

Many of youth of the Diocese of Baton Rouge who made the trek to Washington, D.C., experienced fun and made the lifelong memories that they expected. Beyond that, they expressed their surprise that their immersion in the Catholic faith and culture of life created "new beginnings" for them.

The itinerary of this year's trip, Jan 19 –  Jan 24, included daily Masses. On the way to the Capitol, Masses were celebrated at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, and the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia's Motherhouse in Nashville, Tenn. Some of the sisters accompanied the pilgrims for the rest of the trip.

In Washington, D.C., Masses were celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the John Paul II National Shrine.

The youth toured several well-known sites at the capital: the National Mall monuments and the Smithsonian Museums, the Holocaust Museum, the Museum of the Bible, and the JPII Shrine and Museum.

March participants worshipped at nightly MP3 rallies and at a Vigil for Life at Camp Letts in Edgewater, Maryland, the night before the march.The adult leaders traveling with the youth noticed the youths' transformation.

"This year's March for Life was an incredible experience of watching youth open their hearts to Christ and then come to realize the dignity of human life," said Emily Froeba, March for Life pilgrimage director. She is also the campus minister and theology teacher at St. Michael High School in Baton Rouge.

Froeba added, "St. Michael has so much gratitude to God and to the team of people who make this pilgrimage possible. It is such a beautiful gift to be a part of."

Several priests, religious, and seminarians from the Diocese of Baton Rouge journeyed with the youth.

"It was such a gift to be one of the 23 women religious accompanying the youth on this year’s March for Life pilgrimage," said Sister Maria Fidelis Galindo HMSS of the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

Sister Maria said during the march the young pilgrims witnessed the interrelationship of abundance of life, joy, and unity.

"This life, joy, and unity was fed throughout the pilgrimage by testimonies from adults and the youth themselves, group Scripture reflections, holy Mass, confession, and Eucharistic adoration," Sister Maria said.  "I can confidently say that today’s youth are hungry for the true life found in Christ and communion in Christ with each other. Please continue to pray that this experience continues to bear fruit for our young people and for our entire diocese."

Caroline Lucas, a senior at St. Michael High School and member of St. Thomas More Church in Baton Rouge, finds her faith deepens with each March for Life she attends.

"I grew up Catholic, going to church every weekend and altar serving most weekends," said Lucas. "However, I had no faith life until my sophomore year when I had an encounter at the beginning of the school year. In January of that year, I went on the march and had the best experience of my life. Because of that experience I started discerning becoming a sister.

"However, I decided that wasn't for me. I went again this year ... and had an even bigger encounter that I didn't think was possible. I went to confession, and adored Jesus each night in D.C. I honestly wish the trip never ended, but I hope to carry forward the grace and love I received on the march."
Natalie Stump, a member of the youth group at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge, expected her second trip to be the same as the first.

"Going on this trip, I was mainly excited for the fun memories and cute pictures. Not only did I get these things, but I also experienced God in many different ways and through many different people, whether it was through 'the greatest showman,' praise and worship, or bus competitions. I truly grew closer to the Lord in ways I never could have imagined. I’m so thankful for this trip and for the ways it has changed my life."

Fellow OLOM youth group member Elizabeth Herpin felt the Lord's presence throughout the pilgrimage, beginning with adoration.

"The first night was beautiful and just seeing how many teens are 'all in' with the Lord worshipping him gave me chills. Once I finished looking around, I looked back at the monstrance and I just thought to myself that this is a new beginning, this is where I'm going to start to be 'all in.'"

Herpin relished the visits to the churches and cathedrals.

"What a priest said at Mass, just realizing and taking in what every motion you do means. When I went to Mass, I really thought about the movements I was doing. It brought sudden peace and comfort."

Herpin stated the march moved her to appreciate her own life.

"It showed me that today was a blessing because I did not have to wake up. But the fact I did was a sign from the Lord that he is not done with me, and he has great meanings and plans for me in life," said Herpin. "Everybody should experience it."

Lucy Claire Brignac, also of OLOM, reflected on the group's pilgrimage theme, "remembrance of his mercy."

"Throughout the adorations, talks, and times of prayer, I was really able to recognize the father’s unconditional love for us," she said.  "I felt like our bus was one big community and really felt the Lord moving through our group. The week was an amazing boost of faith and allowed me to reach into the merciful heart of Jesus."

OLOM member Louise Laville believes the march shows the joy of the Catholic faith.

"I also loved seeing so many other kids and people who are willing to put everything aside to be with God and stand up for what’s right. The march inspires me to share the faith and to be a better Catholic every day," said Laville.