The Light of the March for Life

Just this past Sunday we heard at Mass a passage from the Gospel of St. Matthew in which there was a quote from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen” (Is. 9:1-2 quoted in Mt 4:15-16). For a context of this citation from Isaiah, St. Matthew tells us that Jesus went to Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, in order to fulfill this prophecy of Isaiah that proclaims that Jesus is coming not only to Israel, but to all nations (the gentiles). Immediately after Isaiah is quoted St. Matthew says, “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Mt 4:17).  Jesus come to announce to all people that the Kingdom of Heaven is here and we must repent from our sins.
 
These words of St. Matthew and the Prophet Isaiah took on a profound meaning for me, having just been in Washington, D.C. for the Vigil Mass for Life in the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Thursday evening and for the National March for Life on Friday. Why? Because the experience of the Mass and the March were indeed a manifestation of “the great light” of which Isaiah spoke. This great light is Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the true and saving Light who has come into a world darkened by sin and error. He is calling out to all people to turn back to Him and the truth of the Gospel of love and of life.
 
The celebration of the Vigil Mass for Life and the March for Life served as a lifting up on high of the truth that Christ teaches through His Church: that every single human life is created by God and possesses inherent dignity. Not a single person should have his or her life taken. All human life must be cherished and protected, especially the lives of the most vulnerable in our midst—those preborn children in the wombs of their mothers.

What did the March for Life 2026 look like? It began with the greatest prayer of all—the Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Mass in the National Shrine packed to overflowing  and was permeated with prayer till the end. Groups praying the Rosary, carrying images of Our Lord and Our Lady or signs with quotes from Holy Scripture and phrases proclaiming the truth about preborn life and the beauty of motherhood made up the March of over 100,000 people. No anger, resentment or vitriol could be heard from the marchers, but only peaceful expressions of hope and joy and excitement for the bright future of a society that protects unborn babies. It was a gathering where people came together not to destroy and tear down but, rather, to build up a civilization of love and a culture of life. It truly was a festival of light, life, and love.
 
My dear brothers and sisters, our hope for the future of the Church and our world can be found in the brilliance of the light of Christ that shines out clearly when we come together in His Name to proclaim that all life is sacred. Our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV said in his message to all participating in the March for Life 2026, “May Jesus, who promised to be with us always (cf. Mt 28:20), accompany you today as you courageously and peacefully march on behalf of unborn children. By advocating for them, please know that you are fulfilling the Lord’s command to serve him in the least of our brothers and sisters (cf. Mt 25:31-46)”
 
Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid
Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh