By Liz Lantigua - Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy HS
Photographer: LIZ LANTIGUA | FC
Archbishop McCarthy High students join other participants in prayer before the start of the Walk for Life Jan. 13.
Photographer: LIZ LANTIGUA | FC
Archbishop McCarthy High students, led by the school's Respect Life Club, pray and "walk for life" Jan. 13.
SOUTHWEST RANCHES | Students from Archbishop McCarthy High School and nearby parishes walked, prayed, and sang together during their annual Walk for Life Jan. 13, hosted by the school’s Respect Life Club.
“The Walk for Life is so important because it brings together people of all ages who support the right to life,” said Jayleen Diaz, president of the school club.
The walk not only raises awareness about the tragedy of abortion but also helps mothers who have chosen life. Those who walked donated money to support theRespect Life Pregnancy Center in Hollywood. They also brought baby diapers and other supplies for the mothers the center helps each day.
Joining them at the walk was Catholic rapper Alvaro Vega, who goes by the name Communion. Students and parents sang and raised their hands to many of his songs such as “I Believe” and “Smile.”
“I really enjoyed coming out to this year’s Walk for Life,” said Communion. “It brought me great joy to contribute in my own unique way by sharing my Catholic songs and to stand for life in solidarity with my brothers and sisters while walking and praying.”
Photographer: LIZ LANTIGUA | FC
Alvaro Vega, aka Communion the rapper, performs some of his compositions during the Walk for Life hosted Jan. 13 at Archbishop McCarthy High School.
The song “I Believe,” which students sang along with the artist, has a pro-life line in the second verse: “I don’t believe in the ‘right’ through which millions have perished/babies are killed before reaching the carriage/moral values nowadays, are being disparaged.”
The song can be heard in its entirety on YouTube. Communion is also working on another pro-life song he hopes to release this coming year.
The event ended with one more walk around the school as students from the Respect Life Club led the others in praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Later this week, thousands of young people will gather in Washington, D.C. to support life and pray for the end of abortion. Among the thousands joining the annual March for Life Jan. 19 will be a group of about 100 students from Catholic high schools in the archdiocese, including Archbishop McCarthy; as well as about 40 college students and young adults.
Those who cannot be there in person can keep up with the group via the archdiocese’s social media: @CatholicMiami on Instagram and Twitter, and ArchdioceseofMiami on Facebook. Look for these hashtags: #whywemarch #marchforlife #prolife.
Other Walks for Life also have been scheduled, to raise funds for local Respect Life Pregnancy Help Centers:
- Saturday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m.-noon, St. John Vianney College Seminary, 2900 S.W. 87 Ave., Miami; begins with Mass at 9 a.m. Call 305-273-8507 for information.
- Saturday, Jan. 20, 8 a.m.-noon, St. Clement, 2975 N. Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors; begins with Mass at 8 a.m. Call 954-565-0229 for information.
