Antonella and Tony Skalski’s experience at their first March for Life in 2023 was so positive that they have continued to feel the impact over these past 12 months. That is one reason that this year, their son is considering joining them in the nation’s capital.
“Last year’s March was unbelievable, joining so many others from across the nation to support life. It reinforced our beliefs on the dignity of every human life,” said Antonella Skalski of Mantua’s Church of the Incarnation, whose son will be attending if he can get the day off from work.
The Skalskis’ pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., was made possible through Incarnation’s Knights of Columbus, which once again is joining other Knights councils across the Diocese in providing transportation to and from the annual gathering on Jan. 19.
“The bus is a wonderful statement from them [the Knights] on the importance of making our voices heard in Washington,” Tony Skalski said.
Since 1973, hundreds of thousands of individuals and families like the Skalskis have converged every year on the National Mall to mark the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling, which legalized abortion in all 50 states.
Although Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022 in the Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson decision, the work to build a culture of life in the United States continues, with a focus on state legislative battles. The goal of the national March for Life is to not only affect legislative change at the state and federal level, but “to change the culture to ultimately make abortion unthinkable,” as its mission states.
Bob LaPalomento, Grand Knight of the Incarnation Council, has been organizing a bus from Mantua for the past six years. Through promotion of transportation and the pilgrimage itself, his goal is for “more and more people to recognize that life is a precious gift from God, from conception to natural death. We have to do what the Lord wants us to do – change minds and hearts,” he said.
Laura Bekier of Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Haddon Heights, will be attending her first March for Life. She was invited by Mark Kiernan, a Knight from the parish’s Santa Maria Council.
“He knew me, and he thought I’d enjoy it. I’m excited,” she said. Bekier and her fellow pilgrims will begin the day with a 7 a.m. Mass at the parish celebrated by Father Allen Lovell, parochial vicar, before boarding the bus. The work won’t stop after the bus returns later that night, she knows.
“I’ll come back with knowledge from all of the speakers and my own interactions with fellow marchers, and like Mark did for me this year, tell people about the march and invite them to come with me next year,” Bekier said.
This year is the 51st March for Life; speakers include Jeanne Mancini, president of the March For Life Education and Defense Fund; Benjamin Watson, former NFL tight end, and Danny Gokey, a three-time Grammy Nominee who will perform leading up to the noon rally on the National Mall.
From there, pro-life advocates will walk past the U.S. Capitol and complete their route between the building and U.S. Supreme Court. All those participating are encouraged to visit with their state legislators after the march to discuss legislation that supports life.
For more information, visit marchforlife.org.
Knights of Columbus-sponsored busses from South Jersey to Washington, D.C, on Friday, Jan. 19 for the March for Life
Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties
Two busses will have one pickup location in each of the three above counties. There is no cost for the bus, although riders are asked to contribute $5 each toward a tip for the drivers. These two busses will depart for Washington, D.C. around 7 p.m., and return to South Jersey by 8 p.m. Contact Rob Fini at 215-680-7556, or RobFiniSr@gmail.com with any questions or to reserve a spot.
Glassboro
A bus will depart from Our Lady of Lourdes Church (Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish), 500 Greentree Road, Glassboro at 8 a.m., and return approximately at 9 p.m. The cost is $40 per person, and payment must be mailed or dropped off and received at the parish prior to the trip. Call 856-881-0909 for more info.
Haddon Heights
A bus will depart from the CVS parking lot (Kings Highway and White Horse Pike), courtesy of Saint Rose of Lima Parish’s Santa Maria Council #1443. The bus will depart at 8:30 a.m., and return at 8 p.m. Cost is $15 per person, in advance. There will be no stops there and back, and pilgrims are encouraged to either pack a lunch or patronize a food vendor in Washington, D.C. There will also be a 7:30 a.m. mass at Saint Rose of Lima on Jan. 19 prior to departure, and non-pilgrims are also encouraged to attend this liturgy. Contact Mark Kiernan at 856-261-3074 for more info.
Mantua
A bus from Church of the Incarnation, Mantua, will depart after the 7 a.m. parish mass. Bus includes a bathroom, and there will be light refreshments along the way to Washington, D.C. To reserve a seat, contact Bob LaPalomento at 856-994-3476, or the parish office at 856-468-1314. Donations appreciated; there will be a $20 per adult fee to help offset cost, and charitable giving to pregnancy centers.
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