The first Sursum Corda pilgrimage to the March for Life 2014 was a tremendous success. Two 15-passneger vans were filled with young adults and chaperones of Institute of Christ the King Midwest apostolates: Chicago, Wausau, and St. Louis. We were led by our chaplain for the journey, Canon Michael Stein. With a spirit of reparation for the horrors of abortion and a zeal for the sacredness of all life, the Brigade defied winter storm warnings and traveled safely to and from Washington D.C. under the mantle of Our Lady.
Along the way, we were generously hosted by a parish near Cleveland, Ohio where all were fed both spiritually and physically. Canon Stein was able to offer Holy Mass for us while members of the Sacred Heart Parish prepared a late lunch for tired and hungry travelers. Upon arrival in Washington D.C. members stayed at a Hotel close to the events surrounding the March for Life.
The March itself was attended by some 600,000 pro-lifers from across the nation despite the cold, harsh and bitter weather. The Sursum Corda brigade represented themselves with "Institute blue" hoodies and signs that read Sursum Corda. Depicted with our motto was a silhouette of a pregnant woman with the hearts of her and her baby in a bold red. The inscription read "Lift up your hearts." These hoodies were noticed by a photographer of TownHal.com who ranked the group amongst "best fashions" of the March for Life! Many people walked by and upon seeing our hoodies answered, "we lift them up to the Lord"!
Together we prayed and sang sacred hymns as we walked from the National Mall up Constitution Ave. Those who walked at our side joined us in prayer and expressed words of immense gratitude for the prayerful presence we maintained within the March itself.
After the March members walked to the Heritage Foundation building where they enjoyed warmth, food, and a free screening of the new "40 Film" produced and directed by Chicago's Shrine of Christ the King's very own: Mr. John Morales. All were inspired by this movie that exposed the lies of the culture of death and presented facts and testimonies that encouraged both young and old pro-lifers to continue to defend the unborn and their mothers.
In addition to the March, Sursum Corda members were given the opportunity to attend a Solemn High Mass celebrated by Dom Philip Anderson, O.S.B, Abbot of Our Lady of Clear Creek Abbey at St. Mary Mother of God Parish in D.C. The Mass was organized by the Paulus Institute and sponsored by Juventutem – an international group of Catholic young adults who have a deep appreciation for the Latin Mass. After Holy Mass a social was held at a nearby eatery where members of Juventutem and Sursum Corda were able to meet and enjoy each other’s company.
Throughout the time spent in Washington D.C. Sursum Corda members were recognized and sought out by fellow Marchers and were given many compliments. EWTN mentioned the group during their live coverage of the March. Post-abortive women of the "Silent No More" awareness campaign expressed gratitude to us for praying during the March, shared their personal testimonies with us, and offered us words of encouragement to remain strong in our faith in a culture of legalized murder.
Time spent in Washington D.C. seemed to fly by for all of us. On the ride back to Chicago favorite memories were shared, rosaries were said, Canon Stein celebrated Mass at Holy Family Parish in Columbus, and we all chanted the night office of Compline before arriving in Chicago.
The March for Life Sursum Corda pilgrimage was overflowing with an abundance of graces and the opportunity to witness for life. We who experienced the March were edified by the spirit of reparation that animated our trip and uplifted by the joy of spending time with like-minded young adults. We are now refreshed and motivated to continue to fight for this heavenly cause!
Miss Dolores Weber
Sursum Corda Chicago