Last Friday afternoon we had the joy of welcoming, as is our tradition now every summer, the Northern Walkers from Crossroads. This was a group of ten young people who have chosen to walk for Life. They came mostly from the South, even as far south as Australia! James, who is from Melbourne, Australia, is making the walk for the sixth time. The Northern Walkers start from Monroe (near Seattle), Washington and end their walk in Washington, DC, where they meet up with the Central and Southern Walkers. They began May 21. They will complete their journey August 11 or 12. On August 13 they will host a Pro-Life Rally at the Capitol.
Sharae, from Texas Tech University, shared why she is doing this: “I am walking this summer to stand up for the dignity of all human life. I want to strengthen families to choose life this summer through countless prayers and a peaceful pro-life presence. I want to promote a culture of life in America, where too often, innocent life is lost. I hope to be strengthened in my faith life and draw nearer to Christ.”
Emily, a Benedictine College Alumna, also shared her reasons: “I am dissatisfied with our culture and have recently felt the need to stop talking about it and start doing something about it. I feel strongly about the need to share a culture of life with those who feel lost, hopeless, and despairing in the materialistic and selfish way of life that society offers. Crossroads is a witness to the beautiful, hopeful life each person is called to fulfill, and I am ecstatic to be a part of it.”
We were delighted to have supper on Friday evening with them and our Hospitality Interns. It was inspiring to learn more about what they do and to share with them about our own mission and our lives as Little Sisters of the Poor. We discovered that we had a few things in common. Like them, we all come from different areas of our country as well as other countries. Also like them, we witness to the dignity of Life. Zack shared that they are concerned about euthanasia too and don’t think people actually realize what it really means. And, we discovered that we have something else in common.
The walkers wear t-shirts with the words “PRO-LIFE” in large letters across the front. Every day throughout the summer the walkers are continuously stopped by passers-by wondering what they are doing and why they are wearing these t-shirts. This enables the walkers to tell people about their mission to spread the Gospel of Life. The Southern walkers decided to start calling their t-shirts their “habits” because they wear them day in and day out and because of the responsibility that comes with wearing them. A religious habit signifies commitment to Christ, to holiness and living a certain way of life. The walkers realized that wearing the “PRO-LIFE” t-shirt brought with it a responsibility to live according the message that they are spreading and their commitment to witnessing to the dignity and sanctity of all human life.
Our Walkers shared that most of the responses they receive from people they meet along the way are positive ones and they are given hope as they offer hope to others.
The Walkers were interviewed by Ana Franco-Guzman of the Catholic News Service in an article entitled: “Young adults hit the road to take pro-life message across country”. They were also interviewed on Relevant Radio and the podcast can be found here >>. Zack and Grace are interviewed 30 minutes into the podcast. For more information about Crossroads Walk Across America for Life click here >>.
We thank God for all the young people that the Lord brings our way and the unique ways that they share their faith and stand up for Life. May the Lord continue to give the Crossroads Walkers strength, courage and faith and bless them on their journey as they witness to life in all its stages.
Crossroads Walkers Rest Stop