Local Catholics walk in March for Life rallies

Parishioners from St. James, St. Edna, and Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church in Arlington Heights walked in the March for Life Chicago rally on Sunday, January 15, 2017. They were joined by people from St Theresa Parish in Palatine and a group from St. Viator High School.

The March began with a rally at the Federal Plaza in the Chicago loop. Thousands of people from Illinois, Wisconsin, and other neighboring states then marched through the loop to draw attention to the 60 million babies who have been killed by abortion since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

Marybeth and Mike Schoenwald helped organize the St. James group and marched in the rally themselves. "We marched because we believe it is wrong to take a life, any life," Marybeth said.

Cardinal Cupich, a featured speaker at the rally, offered his encouragement. "You speak for those who have no voice," he said.

The Schoenwalds and many other parishioners from the area also attended the huge annual March for Life in Washington D.C on Friday, January 27, 2017. The day before the 44th annual march, a National Prayer Vigil for Life Mass was held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Mass was attended by thousands of people and concelebrated by hundreds of priests.