By Val Streff
Special to the Herald
As Washington, D.C., gears up for the annual national March for Life this month, Hawaii is in the final stages of preparing for its own march, taking place at the state Capitol in downtown Honolulu on Jan. 23 from 2-5 p.m.
Hawaii island, Maui and Kauai are also planning their own respective marches. The islands are marching together in unison with the same hearts and minds of Christians across America.
The march is not a protest rally; it is a celebration of the sanctity of life. We come together to focus on God’s given gift of life, and we pray for the continual acknowledgment that life from conception to natural death is worthy of respect and honor.
Let us never forget the overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 4, 2023, a major milestone that shows we are now heading in the right direction. We celebrate with joy and gratitude for the faithful laborers who have dedicated their lives in support of life.
However, our mission is not over — we continue to pray and continue to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in bringing an end to abortion. We want to be stewards, the hands and feet of Christ: supporting all men and women faced with a challenge, no matter how dire the situation appears.
Our goal as Respect Life supporters is to pray for the conversion of hearts and minds to believe in and live the sanctity of life. Our action plan is to help the public be aware of legislation contrary to God’s laws. We must be mindful of what is happening in society to be the light that shines in the darkness.
The church teaches that every human life is precious and worthy of protection. Pope Francis wrote: “Our defense of the innocent unborn … needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love regardless of his or her state of development.”
We often think of abortion, but please think of our kupuna who are ill, in nursing homes or left isolated in their own homes. They need to be loved, respected and feel valued in society.
Think of the children who are left to their own devices — without structure or guidance, they too are seeking love and attention from parents and family members.
Our theme, “Aloha Kekahi i Kekahi (Love One Another)” calls on all of us to take the time to love others, no matter how busy or focused we are on our own lives.
Let us bring the joy of the good news to everyone we meet, and peace to our country as we share God’s love. Let us turn to our Savior for mercy and wisdom; let us turn to God to not forsake us even when we sin.
Please join us on Jan. 22 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa for Mass with Bishop Larry Silva, praying for the end of abortion. Then, on Jan. 23, let us gather as one body in Christ at the state Capitol from 2-5 p.m. to pray for all men, women and children that we have peace in the world.
The March for Life will feature a slew of guest speakers, music by Dominic Olaso and organizations offering brochures and information. The winners of the visual art essay contest will also be announced. Come and join us with your own pinwheels, or get one at the rally.
Val and Deacon Gary Streff are co-directors of the diocesan Respect Life Office.
Respect Life events
- Nine-day novena: Jan. 16-24; sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. www.9daysforlife.com
- Pinwheel decoration contest: Jan. 1-19; decorate your parish grounds
- Retreat with Father Shenan Boquet: Jan. 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Anthony Retreat Center, Kalihi
- The Beauty of Families: Recognize a family in your parish