by Lisa Averion
The March for Life 2026 was a powerful witness to the dignity of every human person, bringing together voices united by faith, hope, and an unshakable belief in the sanctity of life. One of the most moving moments for me was hearing the Friends of Club 21 sing the National Anthem. Their voices—strong, joyful, and proud—rang out as a beautiful reminder that every life, including the lives of people with Down syndrome, is a gift to be cherished, not a problem to be solved.
As a mother of a daughter who lives with Down syndrome, my pro-life conviction is not abstract—it is lived each day through love, sacrifice, and immense joy. My daughter’s life is a living testament to the beauty that flows from embracing every person exactly as God created them. In my role as Associate Director in the Office for Persons with Disabilities, I carry this same mission into my work within the Catholic Church: to affirm the inherent dignity of every person and to ensure that no one is overlooked or excluded.
The Catholic Church teaches that life is sacred from conception to natural death, and the March for Life makes that truth visible in the public square. Saint Mother Teresa expressed it so simply and powerfully when she said, “Life is a gift of God. It is sacred. We must protect it.” Her words remind me that defending life means loving both mother and child, especially those who are most vulnerable.
The March for Life 2026 was more than a demonstration—it was a prayerful proclamation that every life matters, and that love will always be stronger than fear.
(photo: Gigi Duncan/National Catholic Register / Gigi Duncan/National Catholic Register)