IWKnights Corner For January 31, 2021
( Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Did you know this about the IW Knights of Columbus?

The annual March For Life occurred several days ago  (however it was primarily virtual event this year).  Over the next several weeks we will continue presenting of the Questions and Answers the Knights of Columbus' Columbia Magazine posed to the president of the March.

"After months of social and political unrest amid an ongoing global pandemic, the 48th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., took place Jan. 29 under a banner of unity and hope: “Together Strong: Life Unites.”  This year’s theme underscores the fact that, for decades, the March for Life has been the largest peaceful protest for human rights in the United States.

Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund since 2012, has long been an eloquent and passionate advocate for the unborn and pregnant women in need.  Columbia recently spoke with her about this year’s theme, the momentum of the pro-life movement, and social and political challenges in the new year."

"COLUMBIA:  What is the significance of this year’s March for Life theme, Together Strong: Life Unites?

JEANNE MANCINI: Every year, the March for Life chooses a theme that conveys a timely message. Because 2020 has been marked by such division, unrest and fear, there is a great need for us to come together and be reminded of our special mission — and our strength in truth. Though each of us brings our own individual talents to the life movement, we are far stronger together.

Each one of us has a critical and irreplaceable role to play in building a culture of life. As St. Teresa of Calcutta put it, “You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.” From choosing adoption to joyfully accepting the responsibilities of fatherhood and motherhood; from sidewalk counseling to lobbying; from prenatal care to post-abortion support; from praying for the most vulnerable to voting to protect them — everyone is desperately needed. Our unique gifts and talents, united in the service of one common mission, make us strong."

"COLUMBIA: This year’s theme of unity is also a founding principle of the Knights of Columbus. What role do you see Knights playing, both individually and collectively, in the pro-life movement today?

JEANNE MANCINI: The Knights have been a vital force in the March for Life from the very start, and they continue to be its backbone in many ways.  From providing the operations infrastructure (over 100 Knights volunteer as marshals at each annual march) to organizing parish and community participation, the impact of this partnership should not be underestimated.

Because the Knights have such a unified spiritual and charitable mission to help the weak and vulnerable, which goes back to their founder’s deep concern for widows and orphans, they naturally desire to protect the unborn and assist pregnant women in need.  Also, the fact that Knights of Columbus are so active throughout the United States obviously helps draw people to the March each year, including thousands of young people.  In short, I don’t think the March would be the broad-reaching event and experience it is today without the aid of the Knights of Columbus."

Find more about the Knights of Columbus at  IWKnights9981.com/bulletin or in facebook.com/IWknights9981 and NOW on Twitter at twitter.com/IwKnights.

Links Related to this week’s column:

‘Together Strong’
	An interview with Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life, about the unity, growth and challenges of the pro-life cause.
		By Columbia Magazine Staff (1/1/2021)
			Click here for Website

Prayer for Protection in Time of Pandemic
	A Novena which seeks Our Lady’s Intercession for Protection in Time of Pandemic
		By His Holiness, Pope Francis (3/2020)
		A PRAYER FOR PROTECTION IN TIME OF PANDEMIC (PDF Version)
				Click here for the Prayer