KANSANS RALLY FOR LIFE IN TOPEKA

Fight to protect the unborn continues across the state

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

TOPEKA —It’s not every day you get to hear from life heroes.

Yet, that’s exactly who Hannah Schmitz and Margaret Ledom, both juniors at Hayden High School in

Topeka, found themselves listening to during the annual IGNITE rally held Jan. 24 at Topeka’s Performing Arts Center.

The rally was one of several events held in Topeka to commemorate the recent decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and also served to encourage the state’s pro-life movement. Other activities included workshops, a march to the Statehouse, a rally at the Kansas Capitol and a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Bishop Gerald Vincke of the Diocese of Salina, and Bishop Carl Kemme of the Diocese of Wichita, along with several dozen priests.

Debra Niesen, lead consultant for the archdiocesan pro-life office, kicked off the rally by describing a life hero as “someone who is the voice, the hands, the love of Jesus Christ to someone who is vulnerable.”

“We are all called to be life heroes,” she said, “and we have many saints as examples — Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Joseph who protected Our Lady and baby Jesus, St. Gianna Molla, St.

>> See “PRO-LIFERS” on page 10

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