After a 2-year absence, pro-lifers overjoyed to be marching again

After a two-year online hiatus, pro-life British Columbians once again took to the streets of Victoria to represent the unborn and vulnerable at this year’s March for Life.

Rain and the two-year absence contributed to reduced crowds Thursday, but the joy in the air was contagious and spirits weren’t dampened by the occasional drizzle as marchers walked from Centennial Square to the rally at the B.C. Legislature.

About 500 Lower Mainland Catholics attended a pro-life Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Delta before travelling by ferry to the march.

Priests for Life Canada president Father Thomas Lynch celebrated the Mass and in his homily emphasized the importance of the pro-life community being represented at such events.

For many of the estimated 800 attendees, the recently leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion on Roe v. Wade offered hope and renewed purpose

It wasn’t only rain putting a damper on things. A few counter-protesters followed the march holding “My body, my choice” signs and yelling obscenities.

The situation was more peaceful at the legislature where the praying of the Rosary could be heard through the crowd.

The speakers at the rally were the high point of the day. Executive Director of Advokate Jared White was the master of ceremonies, and each speaker helped to give meaning and context to the march.

President and CEO of Americans United for Life Catherine Glenn Foster spoke eloquently about the hopeful future opened by the upcoming ruling on Roe v. Wade. Speaking as a “post-abortive woman,” she also discussed the tragic ways that abortion affects the lives of women.

Delta Hospice Society president Angelina Ireland gave a fiery oration about the state of palliative care in B.C., calling out Health Minister Adrian Dix by name for the part he played in seizing the Irene Thomas Hospice in 2021.

The B.C. Catholic’s own Colleen Roy spoke as well, and the transcript of her speech can be found in her column in this week’s paper.

The reduced numbers were a topic of conversation on the ferry crossing, which was choppy but uneventful. There were concerns that the weather wouldn’t hold and many in attendance voiced a feeling that this year’s event felt off. Unfortunately the unease was borne out by the poor showing. 

Apart from Holy Cross Regional Secondary’s pro-life club, Archdiocese of Vancouver Catholic schools were conspicuously absent from the march, as were large groups of non-Catholic Christians.

Some felt that the poor turnout, especially among non-Catholic groups, was a result of insufficient promotion. Organizers were uncomfortable making definite plans for the march in the wake of two years of COVID cancellations, and the result was that many were left unaware that the event was happening at all.

One person texted The B.C. Catholic, “I live in downtown Victoria and had no idea [the march] was a thing. What a shame.”

This story was updated May 18.