Heading to Washington DC for Life

Tomorrow I will head out I-40 to I-81 to I-66, and make my pilgrimage to Washington DC for this year's March for Life.

Over at my Facebook site, I made the following offer:  I plan, at some point, to be at the National Shrine and if anyone has a special prayer intention, let me know it and I will pray it for you to the Blessed Mother, and offer my walk for your intention.  I make the same offer here.

The weather is not promising to be very good.  In fact, it is going to be cold and snowy, or at least cold and a winter mix.  Why is it that the rulings for most US Supreme Court cases are handed down in may or June, but not Roe v. Wade?  I think God arranged that, so that we pro-lifers get a chance to refine out mettle, a chance to offer the discomfort as sacrifice for what is at stake.  It is a way of doing penance for those who will not or cannot.  So . . . long johns and heavy socks in waterproof boots.  I wish I had the fortitude to march as the Franciscans do, in sandals or barefoot.  Like a boss, those guys!

Because of the threat of weather, and because that meant the threat of having 100+ kid stranded in Washington DC, Knoxville Catholic HS cancelled their trip.  So, tomorrow my own Dolly Girl and a friend of hers will come with me.  This will be fun - we will stay at my niece's apartment and who knows?  Maybe I will wait until Sunday to drive back and show the girls around town.

Justice Scalia wore a replica of the hat worn by St. Thomas More as Chancellor of England during the inauguration, to demonstrate his support for religious freedom.  Like a boss!

Have you done a March - or Walk - for Life?  My first was in San Francisco and members of my parish in Southern California, St. Joseph's in Santa Ana, went north to witness for life.  It was grand - there was about 30,000 of us, mostly Catholic, walking past Fisherman's Wharf with rosary beads in hand.  We were marching, despite very vocal and colorful opponents who jeered at us and mocked us, for the sanctity of life.  And in doing so, I think we all took a few steps closer to sainthood, which are more steps, hopefully, than the ones we backslide on.  Dolly Girl was with me then, just a 6th grader - she understands much more now what is at stake.

One more thing - can I have your prayers for a safe trip, for our goal o be met, and for the Blessed Mother and St. Dymphna to intercede for a special intention of mine?  Thank you.