PHOTOS | 'A Ray of Light': Archbishop Aquila Leads Eucharistic Procession around Planned Parenthood
- André Escaleira, Jr.
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
With rosaries in hand and Christ in the Eucharist leading the way, Denver Catholics stood as a sign of hope in a state where life is under assault.
The chill of the autumn air was met with the warmth of prayerful community on Saturday morning, as faithful from across the archdiocese gathered for the annual pro-life procession around Planned Parenthood in Denver.
With Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila leading the effort, the procession circled the facility three times, praying the Rosary, singing hymns and quietly, peacefully witnessing for life. Following the procession, Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Lakewood sponsored a special pro-life Mass in the garden of Marisol Health Denver, located across the street from the Planned Parenthood clinic.
“It was such a gift to participate in the procession with our Colorado community,” said Emma Ramirez, director of Respect Life Denver, a ministry of Catholic Charities. She and the Respect Life Denver team hosted the annual procession, part of the 40 Days for Life campaign. “Dedication to prayer and following our Lord is the biggest ray of light in the darkness that can surround us. I am so grateful for Archbishop Aquila joining us and continuing to lead his flock in the pro-life movement.”
This year’s prayerful procession stands as a ray of light against a backdrop of darkness and difficulty for the pro-life movement. Following Amendment 79’s passage last year, Colorado lawmakers this year continued to expand abortion access in the state, allocating millions of taxpayer dollars to support Planned Parenthood in a recent special legislative session.
“Life is the most precious gift we have from God, and it’s under assault here in Colorado, from natural conception all the way to natural death. We have laws on the books that absolutely deny the beauty of every single life as God created it,” explained Julie Bailey, Respect Life director for the Diocese of Colorado Springs. “So, we as Catholics have a duty to stand up for life and to be a peaceful, prayerful witness to those who don’t understand the beauty of the gift of life, and of every single life.”
Even amid the challenge, those gathered couldn’t help but experience a sense of the Jubilee hope, rooted in prayer, that Jesus Christ offers his people.
“It was a peaceful presence, being able to walk with Our Lord. He is our hope,” added Ines. “As much as we can try to do as much as we can, at the end of the day, it is God whom we rely on. Walking with him around Planned Parenthood was emotional for me. I cried half of the time. But it was in hope, really, that someday this will no longer be here, and that someday, we’ll process back here in a different light.”
(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr.)
Though the hope of a culture of life may at times seem far off, near impossible in a sea of challenges to the dignity of the human person, those gathered have great reason for hope. With the permanent shuttering of the Planned Parenthood facility in Aurora and the recent inauguration of Marisol Health Mobile, a traveling pro-life women’s health clinic, there are meaningful movements in building a culture of life in Colorado.
Of course, even still, there is much work to be done to foster a profound respect for each and every human life in our state, country and world. While the small successes offer glimmers of light in the darkness of a culture of death, for many of those in attendance for the annual pro-life procession, hope was to be found elsewhere — at the front of the procession, in a simple monstrance, in the person of Jesus Christ.
Through their prayerful witness, the faithful have hope — rooted in Christ — that hearts may be softened, that lives may be protected and that culture may be sanctified.
“I’m a lifelong Coloradan, and I’m very saddened by the way that policy in our state has changed in the last few years,” said Katie Gilette. “So, I want to continue to put my money where my mouth is, put my feet where the issues are, pray for the women who are here at Planned Parenthood, and to continue to pray for change in Colorado, for a renewed culture of life.”
“It’s difficult to know what the fruits of a procession like this would be. You don’t always know how you’ve affected people. “But I know that prayer always has an effect; it’s always fruitful,” added Daniel Miller, a parishioner of St. Louis Parish in Englewood, pointing to St. Paul’s exhortation to pray without ceasing. “It may be generations, it may be years and years before the fruits of your prayer and of your ministry become visible, but I think that’s never an excuse to forgo praying.”
As the Catholic community remains faithful in prayer-filled witness, we are encouraged by Jesus’ presence among us. With him at the helm of the ship, even amid storm after storm, we may persevere in charity — love for God and neighbor — and entrust the pro-life movement to him and his Sacred Heart, burning for love of us.
“Processions offer an opportunity to begin again,” said Jennifer Torres, community engagement coordinator at Respect Life Denver. “Being reminded that it is our Lord that leads us throughout this journey on this side of the veil allows great freedom in knowing that it is love that converts hearts and shifts to a culture open and receptive to life.”
