As scores of people flooded the National Mall and Constitution in Avenue in the nation’s capital for the 50th anniversary March for Life on January 20, local Catholics gathered in unison at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg, for the parish’s annual “Solidarity Day.”
The full-day event provided prayerful support for those marching and rallying in Washington, praying for an end to abortion and for the lives and health of unborn babies and their mothers. The parish event began with the celebration of Mass, and welcomed participants throughout the day for a pro-life movie and a watch-party of the March for Life.
When the march stepped off in Washington, attendees made their way to the parish’s Divine Mercy Chapel to pray all the mysteries of the Rosary.
Pete Fludovich, who annually coordinates “Solidarity Day,” said it is one of several pro-life initiatives the parish undertakes throughout the year. Other activities include collections and support of Lourdeshouse Maternity Home in Harrisburg, visiting and praying with the elderly at nearby Messiah Village, and creating and gifting baby blankets for newly-baptized infants.
“Solidary Day” began as an annual event more than ten years ago after Fludovich – unable to attend the March for Life following a surgery – felt called to host a local event for people to give prayer and witness to the sanctity of human life.
“We began this as a way to give people who are unable to go to D.C. an opportunity to come together in solidarity during the march,” he said. “As long as folks are marching for life in Washington, we intend to be watching and praying with them here.”
(Photos by Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness.)
By Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness
