From the Mass for Life celebrated on Tuesday by Msgr. R. Roy Cosby, diocesan vicar general, attendees "go forth to show the world that we believe in the life of the unborn," he said.

Concelebrated by the parish’s pastor, Father Horace Grinnell, Father Paul Berghout, parochial vicar, and Father John Cregan, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Alexandria, the Mass was sponsored by the diocesan Office of Family Life. The student choir of Corpus Christi School, which is adjacent to the church, performed the music.

In his homily, Father Cregan referenced the Vigil Mass celebrated Monday evening at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. There, Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua of Philadelphia said, ‘When we accept Jesus’ challenge to follow in His footsteps, there is always a cross … (and) … the Lord helps us with it,’ said Father Cregan, his strong voice resounding through the church.

"At the beginning of his pontificate, our Holy Father, in one of his first visits to our country, stood by the Washington Monument, said he gave a powerful message for life. He said, ‘when one human life — just one, so very precious — is threatened, we stand up.’ And our Holy Father has continued to stand up as a living witness and he calls us to stand with him," Father Cregan said.

"And so the message goes on, and this is a difficult time for our country and for the world as we gather for this March for Life," he said. "We’re called now to go forward and to build a culture of life … We must always speak the truth … and stand for what is right and good and we are never afraid."

Later in his homily Father Cregan told the true story of a young man who visited Rome some years ago after making the decision to become a priest. During his trip he happened to be talking to two young women about God and religious matters. After some hesitation, one of the young women told him, "I had an abortion and no one spoke the truth to me [beforehand] — not my family, not my friends, not even my priest — so if you’re going to be a priest, always speak the truth," she told him.

"As Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua said last night, there are many issues of life and justice, but abortion and euthanasia are the battleground," Father Cregan said. "We’re called to stand up. So often the voices are silent … there are so many who are struggling with life issues," Father Cregan said. He referenced the important work of Project Rachel, a national and a diocesan post-abortion healing ministry. "With Jesus there is total healing, total forgiveness."

He specifically addressed those who pray at abortion clinics on Saturday mornings during all seasons, in all types of weather. "Never, never be discouraged" because your witness "may help one person, one woman, one man to choose life," he said.

"And so, as we set out to another March for life," he said, people question ‘what can we do’ to protect life and change hearts to pro-life principles? "Recognize how important your prayer is" for our leaders, he said.

God lovingly creates each life at conception, Father Cregan said. "What must God think when these most precious gifts are so casually, so callously discarded and treated with so little reverence and respect? We celebrate this Mass for life, for peace and for justice."

He spoke of the life of Blessed Herman the Cripple. Born severely handicapped, he was taken to a monastery by his devoted parents when they could no longer care for him. In a special wheelchair, which he fashioned, he traveled the halls of the monastery, to which he brought joy. In closing, Father Cregan led the congregation in praying "Hail Holy Queen" to Our Blessed Mother, the patroness of the unborn, which Blessed Herman had composed.

Attendees of the Mass included Benjamin and Chrystal Guevara and their baby, Anita. The couple said they come to pray at the church a few days a week. Two generations of a family from the parish were also there, siblings Irene and Nick Xenos, both students at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, with their grandmother, Concetta DiFalco, who will celebrate her 80th birthday next month.

DiFalco said she was there because of her granddaughter, Irene. The younger woman was bringing her to the March for the second time. Irene was at the Mass and would go to the March because abortion is "such an injustice," she said. "We have to speak out about it; get this message out to the lawmakers." She is a sophomore at O’Connell and treasurer of the school’s pro-life club.

"We need to respect the rights of the individual because each person starts from conception," said Nick, who is a senior at the school. Maria Urias, a member of St. James Parish in Falls Church, said she was there "to defend life. We have to testify that we love life, children and the family." She was about to board the parish-rented bus to March for the first time.