By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles
LAKE CHARLES — Children walking with their parents during the annual Louisiana March for Life Southwest enjoyed jumping in puddles along the one-mile route from Veterans Memorial Park to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, January 22. The pro-life March takes place every year on the “Day of Prayer for Legal Protection for Unborn Children.”
“Here for Her” was the theme for the 28th annual march in downtown Lake Charles. It is sponsored by Louisiana Right to Life, New Life Counseling, and ABC Pregnancy Resource Center.
Despite the blustery wet winter evening, several dozen pro-life supporters showed up and walked in the pouring rain making their presence known for mothers and their innocent, defenseless babies.
A candlelight prayer vigil, traditionally held on the steps of the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse, followed the march inside the Cathedral where hundreds more were waiting to pray for the sanctity and dignity of life at all stages.
Ben Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, said he was not surprised with the large turnout for the walk, despite the wind and heavy downpour.
“I know how much people care about the unborn and supporting young moms. It did not shock me at all that people came out to participate,” he said, describing it as an “exhilarating” weather experience. “People in the pro-life movement have a heart for prayer and sacrifice and are willing to show their love in that way.”
He mentioned that he was amused by the children jumping in the puddles. 
“Watching the kids jump in the puddles along the way was hilarious. I challenged them to keep track, and one of them said they jumped in 600 puddles,” said Clapper.
One child who was not playing in the rain was lost to abortion on March 31, 1972. The mother, Marcia Schexnider, was among those who spoke during the vigil.
“I carried one those babies who never was given the chance to jump in a puddle, never got to have a birthday or open a Christmas present because I believed the lie that abortion was my only option nearly 52 years ago,” she remarked.
As candles were lit throughout the Cathedral, Schexnider said to those present, “We stand united for every mother and every father that lives with that regret.”
Schexnider now leads a ministry called “Life After Choice” at New Life Counseling. She also mentioned “Rachel’s Vineyard,” led by Marjorie Long in the Diocese of Lake Charles, as another excellent ministry of hope for those involved with abortions.
Rev. Joseph Caraway, Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral, led the opening prayer asking God to grant wisdom to those who govern to see the gift of life in a mother’s womb, and to give faith and courage to mothers and fathers who struggle to choose life. 
Among those who govern in Calcasieu Parish is Louisiana Senator Jeremy Stine (R-District 27), who shared a few thoughts.
“We must remain steadfast in our decision to safeguard life in every aspect of our society,” he said. “As your state senator, I pledge to do everything within my power to ensure that Louisiana stands for pro-life values and the sanctity of life.”
Clapper noted that since the initial ruling of Roe v. Wade in 1973, just under 540,000 abortions occurred in Louisiana until the ruling was overturned on June 24, 2022.
Tabitha Dugas, Executive Director of New Life Counseling, said that despite the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the reality is that abortions continue.
“Twenty-eight years ago, we made a promise that lives lost to abortion would never be forgotten. Here we are returning for another year to fulfill that promise,” said Dugas.
“To make abortions unthinkable requires a collective effort, a commitment to addressing the root causes that lead women to feel compelled to make this choice,” she continued. “This stark truth emphasizes that our work is far from over.”
Longtime supporters of the local event are Vic and Constance Darbonne, members of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Even on a stormy night, they could not think of being anywhere else than standing for life.
“When you think of those babies, I would never think of not participating in the March for Life, no matter the weather,” said Vic, who is involved with the baby bottle campaign with the Knights of Columbus Council 4562. “Baby bottles are filled with money and donated to New Life Counseling.”
Constance, who has nine siblings, said she is glad her parents gave birth to all of them.
“The least we can do is pass on the support for life to our children and grandchildren. That is how we were raised,” she said. “There is nothing more important in this country right now than getting abortions to be unthinkable.”
Dugas expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Glen John Provost, Rev. Ruben Buller, and Rev. Caraway for allowing use of the Cathedral.
Becky Girola, Director of ABC Pregnancy Resource Center, shared a few closing remarks, and Rev. Darrell Bourgeois, Associate Pastor at Glad Tidings, led the closing prayer. Music was provided by Anna Abrahams from Pillar Church and Melody Savoie from Church of the King.
To view more photos from the 28th annual Louisiana March for Life Southwest, visit the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lake Charles Facebook page.
