By Bishop William Murphy |  January 25 was cold here on Long Island and equally cold in Washington, D.C., but that was just the weather. With great joy and enthusiasm our hearts warmed the day as thousands of Long Islanders joined tens of thousands of pro-life men, women, youth and children for the annual March for Life.

Forty years after the tragic and disastrous Roe v Wade decision that made legal but can never legitimize abortion, the Pro-Life cause is stronger than ever. We saw it on the Mall, on the streets and at the Supreme Court building Friday. More than 35 buses came from our diocese and I thank Allison O’Brien, director of the diocesan Respect Life Office, for her great work coordinating our participation in the March.

A very special moment for us all comes after the March when our diocese gathers in St. Joseph Church to share prayer and reflection before grabbing something to munch on before the bus ride home. This year there were more participants than ever and the outpouring of young people from our high schools, our campus ministries from at least four Long Island college campuses gave me a special thrill.

Life ultimately wins out over death thanks to Jesus Christ. With strength that comes from on high, we who are proudly pro-life will stand together, pray together and work together to say no to death, yes to life and yes to all women and children who are faced with those who would interfere with their lives and their futures.

We are a pro-life Church and that calls us all to continue the effort with great confidence in the power of God’s love and great commitment to do His will by witnessing to the sanctity and dignity of human life from conception to natural death. Thanks to all who took part and all who supported us with prayer.