Thousands of pro-lifers arrived in droves for the March for Life Colorado on Saturday to share a spirit of joy and enthusiasm for the Gospel of Life during a rally and march downtown.
Christians from area churches and groups gathered for the annual pro-life event held Jan. 17 in support of life shortly before the anniversary of Roe v. Wade on Jan. 22. Although some estimates had the crowd at 1,500, organizers say total participants exceeded 5,000, making the march a historic event for the state.
Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila celebrated Mass at Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception before kicking-off the demonstration held on the west steps of the Capitol [listen to the archbishop’s homily here].
At the rally, he urged the crowds to spread the message of life and keep America great by respecting the life of each person.
“America you are beautiful and blessed in so many ways,” the archbishop told a cheering crowd holding pro-life posters. “But your best beauty and richest blessing is found in every human person, in each man, woman and child and every immigrant and every native-born son and daughter.”
The rally continued with rousing speeches by Chris Stefanick, Catholic evangelist and speaker, and Lynn Grandon, Catholic Charities’ Respect Life Resources director.
“You must be the voice for the unborn,” Grandon said. “You must be the voice for the disadvantaged. … Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, our creator, taught all of us that human life is sacred. So march with us today and proclaim the beauty and holiness and the dignity of every single human he’s created.”
Pastor Biff Gore, president of Colorado Right to Life, also sang and prayed with the crowds.
Following the rally, throngs of youths, religious, families and seniors filled the streets to march from the state Capitol and around Civic Center park.
Participants waved signs that said “Life” or “I am the Pro-Life Generation” in English and Spanish. Marchers cheered and chanted, sharing the joy of life from conception to natural death.
The march was the first time the Catholic community of northern Colorado collaborated with Colorado Right to Life for the annual March for Life Colorado.
