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Summer 2003

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On Jan. 22, approximately 50 Villanovans traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the annual March for Life. The University’s pro-life organization, Villanovans for Life, coordinated and sponsored participation in the event. Together, they joined the ranks of over 100,000 individuals to celebrate life and contest legalized abortion.

The day’s events began as a series of political and religious speakers addressed the vast crowd. President Bush also spoke to the marchers via telephone. The group then departed from the Washington Monument and marched en masse down Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court building.

This year marked the 30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. Group leaders believe their participation this year was especially significant. Villanovans for Life secretary, Michael Nataro said, “Our purpose in marching is to increase awareness, and to be a visible presence representing Villanova University, and representing the Catholic conservative community of our University to our government and letting them know that we are not a people who agree with Roe v. Wade.”

This annual event promotes the pro-life movement through an emphasis on education. The march allows for both reflection and instruction concerning abortion and its legislative mandates.

This anniversary remains striking particularly because of the growing numbers of young people involved in this cause for life. Villanovans for Life president Colleen O’Boyle commented on the high number of young people at the event. She said, “It was very inspiring to see them and know that this movement and this purpose is not dying 30 years later, but that it is only growing stronger.”

The event was organized by the Office of Mission Effectiveness, with significant assistance from Dr. Barbara Wall and Christopher Janosik. Advertisement for the march included numerous posters, banners and voice mail messages distributed throughout the University.