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Diocese of Lake Charles
LAKE CHARLES — A rainy evening on January 22 did not interfere with a message many are determined to make clear every year on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade: Every life matters.
The 25th annual candlelight memorial prayer vigil, hosted by New Life Counseling, coincided with the 48th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision legalizing abortion in the United States. The event took place on the front steps of the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse with more than 100 in attendance, despite the gloomy weather.
leads the opening prayer for the 25th annual candlelight memorial
prayer vigil for the unborn on the steps of the Calcasieu Parish
Courthouse on Friday, Jan. 22. (Morris LeBleu / Diocese of Lake Charles)
The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, led the opening prayer asking God to help all to realize the sacredness of human life and to respect it from the moment of conception until the last moment of death.
This year’s event almost did not happen because of COVID-19 restrictions, but in her new role as executive director of New Life Counseling, Tabitha Dugas said she was determined to honor the tradition of those who came before her.
“When I received word that the typical March for Life events would not be possible this year, if there was one event I felt determined to make happen, it was this event,” said Dugas. “We gather here tonight to honor the lives of those who were never given a chance at life.”
at the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse on the 48th anniversary
of Roe v. Wade They stood in solidarity to make their voices
heard in defense of the sanctity of life, especially for the millions
of innocent lives lost to abortion. (Morris LeBleu / Diocese of Lake Charles)
Since the passing of Roe v. Wade, nearly 62 million lives have ended in the United States through legal abortion. Dugas said that nationally there are close to 2,300 abortions performed daily, and in Louisiana, it is estimated that 22 lives are lost to abortion every day.
Marcia Schexnider served as guest speaker sharing her experience of choosing abortion 49 years ago. She has since been a “true warrior for the unborn” and plays a key role each year in organizing the prayer vigil.
“I know firsthand what it’s like to be on the other end of the number of babies that we mourn and memorialize, because I was one of those moms who made that horrific choice,” Schexnider said. “There has never been a day that I have not been affected by my decision. There has never been a day that it is not right there in my mind.”
Schexnider said progress is being made among advocates for the unborn.
“Louisiana is now the most pro-life state in the nation. We have more restrictions on abortion than any other state, and we are working on being a state with no legal abortion clinics open,” said Schexnider.
vigil to honor the lives of the unborn. The event was hosted by
New Life Counseling Pregnancy Services Center.
(Morris LeBleu / Diocese of Lake Charles)
In November of 2020, Louisiana voters passed Amendment #1, known as the Love Life Amendment, keeping abortion out of the state Constitution. It also makes sure all policy making remains in the hands of duly elected state legislators.
Among those standing in unity for the sanctity of life as candles were lit was Anna Reyes, of Lake Charles, who said she has been attending the prayer vigil for many years.
“This is such an important part of my faith. These babies are just as important as our elderly people,” said Reyes who just started working at a local nursing home. “They all mean so much to me. Every life is important.”
Wanda Carnahan, of Lake Charles, said she was grateful to have the opportunity to be there despite the rain and chilly night.
“I wanted to thank God that He is the giver and the creator of life,” she said. “I wanted to be here tonight to say I believe in life.”
