BERSI Marches for Life in Washington D.C.

Sixteen Catholic Memorial School students began their trip to Washington D.C. for the annual March for Life on Wednesday afternoon. Their trip is a part of Campus Ministry's BERSI program.
West Roxbury, Mass.— A group of 16 Catholic Memorial School students began their trip to the 46th Annual March for Life in Washington D.C. as a part of CM's Blessed Edmund Rice Solidarity Initiative (BERSI) on Wednesday afternoon.

Before boarding their Amtrak train, the students and faculty leaders received a commissioning from Fr. Eric Caden during a special Mass in the school chapel earlier that morning. BERSI Washington D.C., the second of CM's five BERSI trips during the 2018-2019 school year, encourages students to advocate for the sanctity of human life, dignity, and freedom.

“All the trips that I’ve been on have causes that I really support,” said sophomore Jacob Ryan, a West Roxbury resident who attended CM’s BERSI trips to Wyoming and Philadelphia prior to signing up for this year’s Washington D.C. trip.

“I’ve really held the values of dignity and human rights close to heart. To be down in Washington D.C. with my friends and to support this cause is what our brotherhood is all about.”

Led by faculty leaders Dr. Michael Corso, Mr. Nick Genovese, and Mr. John Finn, the student group consists of six freshman, five seniors, four sophomores, and one junior.

March for Life, a pro-life advocacy group, plans to continue its annual demonstration as scheduled for Friday at the National Mall despite the ongoing government shutdown, according to a statement released by the advocacy group.

Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Activities Committee, punctuates a list of 11 speakers scheduled to address the crowd on Friday.

After the march, the group plans to walk the historic National Mall on its way to the Lincoln, Washington, and Jefferson Memorials. Visits to the Korean, Vietnam, and World War II War Memorials, the Smithsonian Museums, and the Holocaust Museum will follow. The trip will allow students to witness the changing of the guard ceremony for the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

“Having gone on BERSI D.C. before, I can tell you first-hand that the trip allows participants to reflect on the variety of ways in which human life has not recently been respected and how we are all called as citizens, Christians, and human beings to promote and protect life,” said Mr. Kevin Durazo, Director of Campus Ministry.

“Participants walk away with a greater understanding of our call to protect and maintain life.”

Campus Ministry launched BERSI in the early 2000s as a collection of travel-based educational service and immersion programs. Over a span of three to seven days, each trip exposes students to the poverty and injustice of a marginalized community. Hosts share their lives with students who form long-lasting relationships amongst themselves and with those living in the community.

When the Washington D.C. group returns on Sunday, they will continue to meet in the ensuing weeks to prepare an advocacy project related to the sanctity of life.
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Catholic Memorial, the Christian Brothers School of Boston, prepares boys for college, manhood and a world full of unknown challenges, ambiguity and complex problems and the importance of relationships.