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Bishops Barry C. Knestout of Richmond, Va., and Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va., take part in the second annual Virginia March for Life in Richmond Feb. 13, 2020. (CNS photo/Michael Mickle, The Catholic Virginian)
Feb. 15, 2020
Brian T. Olszewski
Catholic News Service
RICHMOND, Va. -- Bishop Barry C. Knestout of Richmond told more than 1,500 worshippers at the Mass for Life Feb. 13 that "political winds can change rapidly" and the threat to life can "reemerge with brutal ferocity."The Mass at the Richmond Convention Center, concelebrated by Bishop Knestout and Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, preceded the second annual Virginia March for Life.
The bishop was referring to the legislation being considered in the House of Delegates and Senate, both with Democratic majorities, that would eliminate all processes and procedures, including an ultrasound, which are required under existing law for a pregnant woman's informed written consent to having an abortion. Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam has promised to sign such legislation if it reaches his desk.
"Just a few years ago, it was not thought that there would ever be a need for such a march here in the commonwealth," Bishop Knestout said. "The laws and the political culture ensured life was protected in a greater way than maybe in other states although always in danger of being undermined."
The bishop said the Knights of Columbus' commitment to providing ultrasound machines to clinics and the ongoing prayer witness of 40 Days for Life provide hope to those working on behalf of the unborn.
"These good works in turn inspire so many others to action," he said.
Referencing the Gospel proclaimed at the Mass -- Lk 1:39-45 -- Bishop Knestout said Mary's visit to Elizabeth should be the model for helping a woman with an unexpected pregnancy.
"We are called to go without delay, to go 'in haste' as the Blessed Mother did, to offer expectant mothers the support, encouragement and love that they need," he said. "Mary's example of visiting her cousin Elizabeth at the time of both of their unexpected pregnancies should inspire us to serve mothers and families -- even amidst our own conflicting needs."
Delores Oliver, a member of St. Paul Parish in Portsmouth, Virginia, echoed the need to care for unwed mothers.
"There are too many stigmas. If a young girl gets pregnant, she's ostracized. We have to dismiss that," she said. "People will make an error, not a mistake, because a baby made is not a mistake, not ever. We need to change the ideas about how we feel about an unwed mother conceiving. That child would not have been conceived unless it was through the power of the Holy Spirit. God does not make any mistakes."
Audrey Lambert, 11, knew exactly why she was at the Virginia March for Life in Richmond. She even had hoped to tell some of the television stations covering the pro-life rally about it. Lambert, a student at Angelus Academy in Springfield, Virginia, was marching for her brother.
"If my mother hadn't have been pro-life, what would've happened to my brother? James always smiles, he's always happy, he's sort of our little sunshine," said Lambert, lighting up as she talked about her sibling.
"He has Down syndrome and he's deaf, so some people would say he wouldn't have a chance at life and I don't think that's fair. I'm here because all babies deserve a chance at life, just like my brother," she told the Arlington Catholic Herald, newspaper of the Arlington Diocese.
After Mass, many met with their elected officials to advocate for the unborn, especially regarding two pieces of legislation, including S.B. 733, the measure that would roll back the existing requirements for informed consent, and H.B. 980, which would "repeal health and safety protections at abortion facilities (and) allow non-physicians to perform first-trimester abortions," according to the Virginia Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the state's Catholic bishops.
Bonita Boyer and Joseph Clement, seniors at St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Potomac Shores, Virginia, along with their teacher Andrew Kubick, navigated the government building hallways searching for their representatives while rehearsing their talking points.
They were able to speak with Sen. Scott Surovell, a Democrat from Fairfax, Virginia, and a representative from the office of Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, a Democrat from Prince William, Virginia.
Boyer expressed her concern that non-physicians do not have the proper training to provide abortions, particularly if a medical emergency were to occur. Clement was concerned that the proposed legislation would harm women.
"We're very pro-women's rights and that's what concerns us so much about this bill," he said. "Every person going through a medical procedure has a right to be fully informed. And a lot of these (bills) would reduce a woman's informed consent."
Following a morning of prayer and lobbying, the students climbed up the hill leading to the white steps of the Capitol. People carrying pro-life signs and umbrellas crowded in to the hear the speakers at the rally. Bishop Burbidge gave the opening prayer.
"Oh God, be with us as we march today, remembering it is you who lead us," he said. "Help our elected officials to see your light and exhibit the political will to do what is right and just and holy."
Jeff Caruso, executive director of the Virginia Catholic Conference, told the more than 2,500 rally participants: "Life will prevail because the Lord and creator of life assures us of that. He sends us forth to spread the truth, goodness and beauty of life. We are privileged to have this mission and responsibility."
The march was sponsored by the Virginia Society for Human Life, the Family Foundation, the national March for Life organization and the Virginia Catholic Conference.
In an interview with The Catholic Virginian, newspaper of the Richmond Diocese, Caruso spoke about the protections for the unborn that "have been put in place over the last several decades and in a manner of weeks have been dismantled" by the state Legislature.
"As these protections are being dismantled, we're going to be working very hard to build that back up," he said. "It might take some time but that's what we're committed to doing. Virginians are not going to stop believing in life, proclaiming life and fighting to protect life."