The 30th annual Life Chain brought Catholics across the Diocese
of Arlington together with people of other faiths to pray for an end to
abortion.
In Alexandria, some drivers honked with waves of encouragement, while
others gave an opposite response. “When we get the negative reactions, (we
know) it comes from a place of hurt,” said Lauren Handy, a parishioner of St.
Raymond of Peñafort Church in Springfield. She is a pro-life missionary and
runs Mercy Missions DC, which “works to advance human dignity through servant
evangelization,” according to its website.
Life Chain was started in 1997 by Please Let Me Live, a small
pro-life ministry based 45 miles north of Sacramento, Calif. The first Life
Chain drew more than 2,000 participants.
Dominique Murray hoped someone might change their mind about abortion
as they witnessed people standing in the Life Chain. She and her family,
parishioners of St. Raymond, have participated for several years. “I am very
blessed that my husband, David, is here with my son, leading the way and
showing the example of what real manhood is — protecting the unborn.”
Mary Flaherty, a parishioner of St. Lawrence Church in
Alexandria, said it was sad that the Life Chain was in its 30th year. “We need
to pray,” she said. “Hearts and minds need to be changed, but the important
thing is getting out the message about what abortion really is and what happens
during an abortion procedure.”
Chuck Zakrzwski, a parishioner of St. Mary Church in Alexandria,
said life issues are one of the most important issues people face today.
“Making a stand for life is important,” he said. “For people who are pro-life
and afraid to speak it, I think it is important to publicly show there are
other like-minded people and that they are not alone. That’s one of the biggest
things an event like this does — to encourage and support those who are
pro-life but not vocal about it or do not take action.”
Father Joseph D.Q. Vu, parochial vicar of St. Bernadette Church
in Springfield, said the Life Chain is an event where people pay respect to the
unborn and at the same time are aware of the other victims of abortion.
“Mothers or fathers who have made the decisions for different reasons, we know
they are hurt as well,” he said. “We stand as witnesses and extend love and
mercy to them and let them know there’s always hope. They can always come back
to be reconciled to God and to one another, as well.”
