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Students from Jesuit Colleges and Universities 'March for Life' on January 23

"The Jesuit college and university students who join the March for Life and speak out on behalf of the innocent unborn are sending a strong message that human life in all its forms is valuable and precious," said Rev. Charles L. Currie, S.J., president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.

Among the many Jesuit institutions represented, John Carroll University (Ohio) had the largest registered contingency of students with approximately 75 students in attendance.  The John Carroll University group was joined by students from other Jesuit institutions, including Boston College (MA), Creighton University (NE), the College of the Holy Cross (MA), Fairfield University (CT), Fordham University (NY), Gonzaga University (WA), Loyola College in Maryland, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University New Orleans, Marquette University (WI), Rockhurst University (MO), Saint Louis University (MO), Saint Joseph's University (PA), Spring Hill College (AL), University of Scranton (PA), Wheeling Jesuit University (WV), and Xavier University (OH).

Sarah Fetterhoff, a junior at Fordham University with a double major in German and Theology, a Christian Life Community (CLC) member, and a member of the Fordham Respect for Life Club, was impressed with the number of students that participated in the March. 

"It showed me that I was not alone in my pro-life position, as I often feel. It was great to feel solidarity with my peers," said Fetterhoff.  "The huge number of students at the March showed me that our generation is not one that is indifferent to the injustices in the world, and is not afraid to take criticism for such a seemingly counter-cultural view." 

In addition to participating in the March, Jesuit college and university students attended Masses at Saint Aloysius Church and Catholic University in Washington, DC, and were present at the Cardinal O'Connor Conference on Life at Georgetown University where they listened to a number of speakers, including Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, S.V., the Superior General of the Sisters of Life; Jennifer O'Neill, actress, model and national spokesperson for the Silent No More Campaign; and Jessica O'Connor-Petts, a member of Feminists for Life who spoke about adoption.

"Participation in the March supports the Jesuit and Catholic mission of Fordham in that it shows our commitment to life and our participation in the greater Catholic community," Fetterhoff stated. "As a Jesuit institution, we have an especial obligation to be men and women for others, and that includes those who cannot defend themselves."

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