GEAUX FORTH FOR LIFE
Shaw students took the opportunity one cold Saturday morning to make a statement: the warmth of God's love for all human life is alive in us.
by Rowan Pham and Enrico Tapia
Embedded Files
The Louisiana Life March in Baton Rouge was an event that most are going to remember for the rest of their lives, including myself. It was a life-changing experience that helped me gain a better perspective on abortion and improve my friendship with my brothers. I never felt so much joy to fight and take a stand for what is right.
Eighteen students from Shaw gathered in the front of All Saints Hall at 6:40 in the morning. After standing outside in piercingly cold winds, we were eager to get on the bus and arrive in Baton Rouge. This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many groups decided to rally on the state level.
By the time we arrived, the temperature was in the high 20s. We were cold and shivering but felt the warm sun reflecting off of the limestone façade of the State Capitol building. Our group made its way downtown where we were able to start our day with Holy Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. It was a wonderful experience to be able to celebrate the Mass with so many other young people. We were also fortunate enough to meet Bishop Michael Duca, the sixth bishop of Baton Rouge.
By 9:30 in the morning, we rallied outside the gates of the State Capitol once more. The crowd, despite the very cold weather, was innumerable. People from all walks of life were gathered there and, despite our vastly different religious, social, and political backgrounds, were united in one voice against the desecration of life.
As we marched through the streets, there was a warmth and joy in the crowd. More than just a rally, it felt like a celebration: a celebration of the beauty of life. That warmth culminated in the town square where we had the opportunity to pray, listen to inspirational speakers, and praise God for such a beautiful day.
Perhaps the most memorable speaker was Shelley Guillory, once a nurse at the infamous Delta Clinic in Baton Rouge. Through her story, she warned against the culture of apathy. Despite her Catholic background, she became numb to the evils of abortion happening right in front of her. It was through the persistence and prayers of her husband and the untimely death of her own son that Ms. Guillory opened her eyes. She quit the very same day she returned back to the clinic and has even helped other nurses quit, too.
One of the best moments of this trip was not just the march but the chance to build up fraternity. We were able to spend the rest of the day on the LSU campus where an intense game of cabbage ball took place on the sunny Parade Grounds.
The Louisiana Life March is an extraordinary experience and I am grateful for the opportunity to go. If you have the opportunity to go on the March, I highly recommend that you do.
Rowan Pham (Class of '25) was born in Picayune, MS and lives in Marrero, LA. He is a member of the Shaw Choir and is a guitarist for liturgical events. He is a member of Visitation of Our Lady Catholic Church.
After our time at the Louisiana Life March South event, I had the opportunity to speak to a couple of my peers who attended and got their thoughts.
For Sophomore Logan Anderson, this was the first time he had ever attended anything related to the pro-life movement. “The march was very nice,” reflects Logan, “and it’s eye-opening to see and hear what is truly happening to unborn children and those who cannot speak.”
When asked, he remarked that he “will definitely be going again next year.”
While it was the very first time for Logan, Sophomore Kaiden Fury has been to many pro-lfe events. When asked why he continues to participate, he explained that “what we did as a community was good for those who cannot speak”.
Providing a voice for the voiceless is the common theme in all of the students who participated. Hopefully, more students will join us in raising our voices for justice.
Enrico Tapia (Class of '24) was born in Marrero, LA. He is a member of the Shaw Cross Country team, Track team, and the Golf team.
It is important to note that opportunities like this are financially supported by the Salesians of Saint John Bosco, our own faculty and staff, our Shaw families and the wider community. Without their support, this experience would not have been possible. Thank you.
If you are interested in ensuring that future generations of students have the same opportunities to grow in faith and to be the future Catholic leaders our world so desperately needs, please consider supporting us with your gifts and time. Contact Mr. Brandon Surrency, Assistant Head of School of Institutional Advancement, for more information.
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