Christendom College’s entire student body traveled into Washington, D.C. this past Friday, January 21 to lead the 2022 National March for Life, guiding tens of thousands of fellow pro-lifers from the National Mall to the steps of the Supreme Court. Joyfully singing hymns and cheering for hours, the students were at the forefront of an incredibly hopeful movement in the Nation’s Capital, making a stand for the rights of the unborn everywhere.
This was the fifth time Christendom has led the March for Life, but, in many ways, it was the most significant. After being a part of the March for Life since the college’s inception in 1977, the students at the front of the March joined thousands of others in the hope that they truly could be a part of the “post-Roe generation,” as the Supreme Court currently debates the landmark Jackson v. Dobbs case that could overturn Roe v. Wade in the United States.
Senior George Schuberg speaking at the Rally preceding the March for Life.
That feeling of hope permeated both the March and the inspiring Rally beforehand, where senior George Schuberg addressed attendees of the March. Speaking specifically to his peers, Schuberg called for more youthful, positive voices speaking out for the needs of the unborn at this critical time in America.
Watch George Schuberg’s Address here.
“Our generation has suffered tremendously from abortion, but do not be discouraged —we will see the end of abortion if we keep fighting for the equal rights of every human being from the moment of conception,” said Schuberg, who is president of the college’s pro-life club Shield of Roses. “We must pray for the innocent babies and their mothers but also for their fathers. Men need to rise to their vocations to protect the unborn, to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Even though you might be persecuted for standing up for the truth, don’t back down. We need every person — man and woman — to join in this fight for the rights of the unborn. Be encouraged — you are on the side of the truth and the truth always wins.”
At the front of the March, students were joined by the Diocese of Arlington’s Bishop Michael Burbidge, who enthusiastically walked with students through the streets of Washington. His presence, along with the thousands of others, was a source of inspiration to the student body, who were thrilled to be back in D.C. after the March was turned into a virtual event last year.
College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell, his wife, Cathy, and students with the Diocese of Arlington’s Bishop Michael Burbidge.
“I’m just so happy to be here,” said junior Maggie Black in an interview with the Arlington Catholic Herald. “I think the pro-life movement and fighting against abortion is the movement of our time and it’s the great social injustice that we have to correct. It’s something we really need to fight for, especially being a part of my generation. So many of the people that would be my peers today are not with us. We have to keep fighting the good fight for them.”
When Christendom reached the steps of the Supreme Court, the organizers of the March briefly stopped the March to personally thank each of the students holding the iconic March for Life banner for their enthusiasm and seemingly limitless energy leading the March, especially in below freezing temperatures.
Christendom students with “The Bible in a Year” Podcast’s Fr. Mike Schmitz, who was the keynote speaker for the 2022 March for Life.
After 49 years of walking in the March for Life, Christendom’s student body felt the enormity of this year’s March. Over and over again, the question was asked: “what if Roe v. Wade is finally overturned this year?” The March for Life’s president, Jeanne Mancini, addressed this question, saying how this could significantly change the March for Life and its format in the years to come. If this turns out to be case, Christendom was privileged to be leading once again during this incredible moment in time, showing that the hard work and prayers of this generation are making a profound difference in the lives of so many.
The March for Life is just one of many opportunities for students to contribute to the pro-life movement during their time at Christendom. Throughout the academic year on Saturday mornings, members of the college’s pro-life club Shield of Roses travel to abortion clinics in the D.C. area to pray for mothers and their unborn children.
Christendom has many alumni who are active in the pro-life movement as well, whether through fighting the legal battle in Washington D.C. or working with pregnancy centers in their local communities.
See more photos from the 2022 March for Life here.