Diocesan faithful join thousands for Pa. March for Life

By Kennedy Garvin
Contributing Writer

HARRISBURG — With banners raised and rosaries in hand, pilgrims from the Diocese of Greensburg joined thousands of others for the fifth annual March for Life Sept. 22 outside the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex. It was an opportunity for Diocesan faithful, more than 100 strong, to join with those from other dioceses in Pennsylvania united in prayer to protect the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.

Following the opening Mass at Saint Patrick Cathedral, marchers gathered on the Capitol steps for the March for Life Rally where speakers peacefully advocated for an end to abortion and stronger legal protection for the unborn, and to celebrate the dignity of human life.

After the rally, Bishop Larry J. Kulick led the Diocesan delegation in the March for Life around the Capitol. Following the march, Bishop Kulick joined his brother bishops at the closing Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Perez of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Deacon William Newhouse, Director of Family Life and Pro-Life Ministries for the Diocese of Greensburg, organized the trip, with several priests and groups representing parishes from all four counties of the Diocese filling five buses.

“As long as sin abounds in the world like it does, it’s hard to say that the need for the mission of life will go away,” said Deacon Newhouse.

The Pennsylvania March for Life, modeled after the national event in Washington, D.C., serves as a reminder that pro-life advocacy is needed not only on a national level, but importantly on the state level.

Deacon Newhouse explained that following the U.S. Supreme court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which eliminated the federal constitutional right to abortion, the responsibility now lies with the states to put this battle on the agenda. “It’s at the state level that we have to make difference now,” he said.

In addition to organizing attendance at the march, the Diocese of Greensburg continues to support pro-life efforts year-round through parish outreach and resources for mothers in need.