Written by: Delaney Flanigan

Providence Academy’s Lions for Life Club had the exciting opportunity to head to Washington D.C. for the National March for Life from January 23-26. They displayed their support for the lives of the unborn through attending the March for Life Rally, the Georgetown Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life, and more.

Planning for the trip to D.C. started last April, when the club had a meeting to introduce the details for the March. Sister Amelia, who planned and led the trip, provided many resources to prepare the group, including Pro-Life Advocacy Training through the pro-life organization, Live Action.

“Even though much of the abortion discussion is now at the state level, there is still something powerful about bringing students to the National March for Life to see the size, joy, and unity of the national Pro-Life movement. Last Spring, Mrs. Jendro, Fr. McClellan, and I worked with Mr. Jaeger to begin promoting the trip so that all students would have a summer and a Christmas to raise funds,” Sister Amelia said.

A group of 25 “pilgrims” left for D.C. bright and early on January 23. With Sister Amelia, Mr. Pluskinski, Father McGinnis, and Mrs. Hoekman as their chaperones, the pilgrims were sure to have an amazing experience.

Students and chaperones excited to hear from speakers at the March for Life Rally.

“I was excited to have the opportunity to go on this amazing national trip with these wonderful students to support life,” Hoekman said.

The group landed in D.C. and stopped at the hotel before having a delicious dinner at District Taco. Then, they enjoyed a walk through D.C., stopping to see the White House and the Lincoln Memorial before calling it a night so they could get lots of sleep to prepare for their packed Friday.

“It was a really fun way to spend the first night in D.C. exploring and seeing the historical monuments,” Rachel Bartels, ‘25, said.

The next morning, the pilgrims began their walk to the National Mall. The March for Life Rally took place right next to the Washington Monument. The day began with a worship concert from the band, Unspoken. Then, prominent advocates of the pro-life movement gave speeches, including March for Life President Jeanne Mancini, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, abortion survivor Josiah Presley, Vice President J.D. Vance, and more.

“We march to protect the unborn. We march to proclaim the sacred truth that every single child is a miracle and a gift from God,” Vance exclaimed in his speech.

Thousands of pro-lifers then marched the streets of D.C. with signs with phrases like “love them both” and “I am the pro-life generation”. The march ended at the Supreme Court, where the pilgrims gathered before heading to Union Station to enjoy dinner and some shopping.

“Being able to see even those who may not be Christian stand up and march for the right to life was extremely impactful,” Michael Newman, ‘26, said.

The group called it an early night after a beautiful day of supporting the lives of the unborn. The next day, the pilgrims attended the Georgetown Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life. Students heard an inspirational keynote speech from Live Action president Lila Rose, who highlighted the “end game” that the pro-life movement is fighting for.

“We need to double-down on changing hearts and minds, and keep our vision in the pro-life movement loud and clear to our elected officials,” Rose said in her keynote address.

March for Life pilgrims smile after their talk with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P..

After lunch, the pilgrims picked a breakout session to attend. Some chose to hear from abortion survivors, and others learned about the negative effects of abortion in other countries. The students then had the wonderful opportunity to have a one-on-one chat with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.. His wise and inspirational stories struck the students deeply. He even gave some students his autograph. The conference ended with a panel of amazing pro-life advocates, moderated by host of EWTN Pro-life Weekly, Abigail Galván, and a Mass for Life at the Dahlgren Chapel of The Sacred Heart.

“I was really impacted by Fr. Gregory Pine because I really look up to him and he has been a hero of mine for a long time. It was so cool to see him in person,” Thomas Slattery, ‘25, said.

Because of their late flight on Sunday night, the pilgrims had choices on how they could spend their last day in D.C. Some headed to Smithsonian Museums with Mr. Plucinski and Mrs. Hoekman, while the rest headed to M Street for shopping and ice skating with Sister and Father.

Students enjoy ice skating with Sister Amelia on their last day in D.C..

“Skating with the group was definitely a highlight of the trip. It was a fun way to relax and hang out with each other,” Bernadette von Dohlen, ‘25, said.

The trip was more impactful and fun than the students could have imagined. They left D.C. inspired by the people they heard from and spoke to and wanted to continue fighting to protect the unborn.

“We wanted students to see that they are not alone in standing up for what is true and loving both for mothers and for babies. You can, and must, love them both,” Sister Amelia commented.