University Hosts Eighth Annual March on the Mountain

Students for Life, Campus Ministry and the Knights of Columbus hosted the eighth annual March on the Mountain on Jan. 29, an event where students, faculty and staff gathered in prayer and marched around the mall, declaring the sanctity of human life.

“A few years back, we realized that not everyone was able to travel to Washington, D.C., for the annual March for Life, so we wanted to give everybody an opportunity to show their commitment to the pro-life cause,” said Father Malachi, President of Saint Francis. 

“We wanted to give folks here on campus and in the local area an opportunity to come here, to stand up for life, and pray for an end to abortion and pray for healing for all those who have been impacted by it.”

The national march, which is held every year on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, inspires hundreds of pro-life advocates to travel to Washington, where they march through the capital.

“It’s the local version of March for Life,” said Father Malachi. “We save you the trip to D.C. and give you the opportunity to come and pray with us and give witness.”

The pandemic has forced the cancellation of many in-person events and the national March for Life last month was no exception, with most of the planned activities moved online.

“A lot of people were disappointed when the March for Life went virtual, so this was a good way to stand up for life in a Covid-safe way,” said Marjorie Mika, one of the Co-Presidents of Students for Life.

The Knights of Columbus led the students, faculty and staff in saying the rosary and Students for Life led the march – with everyone in attendance wearing a mask. A Mass in the chapel followed the march.

“Normally the March for Life is open to the public, but this year it was only available to our own students, faculty and staff and students from Bishop Guilfoyle (High School),” said Mika. “Despite the fact that it was a smaller crowd than usual, it was a beautiful witness.”