The pro-abortion movement would like to think that New York City is its untouchable stronghold, where pro-lifers hold no sway or influence.
But much to their chagrin, the International Gift of Life Walk marched down Broadway on March 25. The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) and its TFP-staffed St. Louis de Montfort Academy joined the event.
The Feast of the Annunciation is an appropriate date for this march, because it commemorates Our Lord’s incarnation in the womb of Our Lady.
This symbolism was echoed during the event’s opening remarks. The speakers included Auxiliary Bishop Peter Byrne of New York, rally organizer Dawn Eskew and TFP Student Action director John Ritchie.
The speeches set the tone for the march ahead, letting us know it is not simply a get-together for good people. It is a clarion call for all pro-lifers to engage in the battle for the unborn.
It is with this spirit that the march began.
The TFP marching band led the way, making the pro-life message impossible to ignore. While Marian and patriotic hymns drew attention to the march, students from the St. Louis de Montfort Academy handed out hundreds of flyers. Some of the pedestrians received them graciously… while others expressed disdain.
Signs, banners and crimson TFP standards also graced the march, making sure that the pro-life message was present everywhere.
However, the focal point of the march was the beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima, carried on a litter by TFP volunteers. She is the queen of the pro-life movement, and it is only fitting that she oversees the battle herself.
As the marchers made their down Broadway, they cried out vigorous slogans and prayers, letting everyone know that the pro-life movement is alive and thriving—even in New York City.
Their enthusiasm was contagious. There are few things more beautiful to witness than devout Catholics united together to fight against grave sin and defending the unborn.
Watch the Video on the NYC Gift of Life Walk
Is There Hope? Even for New York City?
One could wonder why the pro-lifers were so joyful. After all, New York City is one of the most dangerous places for unborn children in America.
Indeed, the city’s new socialist mayor has effectively declared war on the pro-life movement:
“The Mamdani administration will protect New Yorkers from false or deceptive information spread by Crisis Pregnancy Centers, including lies about abortion safety and medications.”
The pro-life movement is an energetic, thriving reality—a reality that paints a grim picture of the abortion movement’s future.
The evidence speaks for itself: Planned Parenthood’s Manhattan headquarters on Bleecker Street closed down last year. This means that there are no longer any Planned Parenthood clinics open in Manhattan.
With these prospects, it would be foolish to give up hope. As TFP Student Action director John Ritchie said in his speech:
“Who will win this battle? It depends…it depends on who leads us. Saint Michael has the best track record. He never lost a battle—and he is not about to start now.”
First published on TFP.org.