Prior to the March for Life, Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski celebrated Mass for Generation Life pilgrims at the Gateway Crystal Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. It was his first time as Archbishop of St. Louis joining the Generation Life pilgrimage, hosted by the archdiocesan Office of Youth Ministry.

In his homily, the archbishop told the teens that their voices share a witness to the gift of human life and the gifts that God gives to all His people. Similar to Jesus entrusting the apostles with His words, ministry and mission, the mission continues today in telling people the Good News of His salvation.

“Just as Jesus called those apostles, He calls each one of us to be the bearers of the Good News of His kingdom,” he said, adding that life is a gift from God. “Each one of us is precious … from the moment we

Archbishop Rozanski called on pilgrims attending the March for Life to nurture life through their witness. Despite the challenges that come with attending a pilgrimage — such as the pandemic and cold weather — it is worth it because hearts can be changed, he added.

“People cannot witness the number of youth who march and not have their hearts touched,” he said. “By seeing your young lives making the pilgrimage to Washington, joining together with so many other young people, it is a powerful witness.”

>> See more To see additional highlights from the Generation Life pilgrimage, visit genlifestl365.com.