There's 'work to be done' as Archdiocese of Mobile again participating in national March for Life

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
The abortion landscape has changed from a legal level with the overturning of Roe v. Wade earlier this year, but there’s still much work to be done to build a culture of life.
That’s why the Archdiocese of Mobile will again participate in the upcoming March for Life in Washington on Jan. 20. It will be the first post-Roe v. Wade march since the event began in 1974 after the decision that led to the legalization of abortion in all 50 states. 
 “The biggest reason to go is because there’s still more work to be done on a national level,” said Archdiocese of Mobile Youth and Young Adult Ministry Director Tex Phelps. “(This year’s March) might be more of a celebration of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but there’s still work to do on a national level to build a culture of life.”
The Archdiocese of Mobile has regularly had a presence at the March for Life that brings thousands to D.C., although it hasn’t participated since 2020 due to COVID-19. 
Phelps said he expects between 200-250 pilgrims representing two high schools and three parishes in the archdiocese-sponsored trip to next month’s march. Others from within the archdiocese are also expected to be in D.C.
Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi will also attend next month’s march, as he has in the past.
“I think it’s an important sign for our kids to see our shepherd there,” said Pat Arensberg, director of the archdiocese’s Office for Evangelization and Family Life, which also includes the Respect Life Office. “At the core of what’s happening is a cry for a greater respect for human life. If you look at the atrocities of the 20th century, at the root of them is a dehumanization. I think it’s very important for him to be there, to take up the mantle of this important point.”
Both Phelps and Arensberg speculated numbers might be down for next month’s march, for one very important reason. 
“The decision did not outlaw abortion. It simply threw it back to the individual states. I suspect there are a lot of dioceses who aren’t coming to DC because now for them, the battle is to get their state legislature to pass laws that protect life,” Arensberg said. 
Phelps added: “In speaking to other groups, some are focusing on what they can do in their state. It varies from state to state as to what that looks like. In some states if you have an uphill battle to overturn abortion, you’ve got to be there.”
Before participating in the March for Life, pilgrims will kick off the day with an archdiocesan event.
Details are still being worked out, but Phelps stressed he hopes the event will impact the community as a whole and can lead to greater dialogue between with those who do not support the pro-life message.
“The more we share our message as to why we believe what we believe, the more hearts that can be changed,” he said.
And for those who won’t be going to DC for the Jan. 20 March? Arensberg said it’s important to pray and to respect life at every instance.
“I would encourage those not making the trip to pray for a greater respect for human life and to demonstrate that respect in their everyday lives,” Arensberg said. 
“And please pray for these folks going to DC to be positive and powerful witnesses for a greater respect for human life.”