The following excerpts are summaries of our 2024 Alberta March For Life speakers. The summaries consist of connected key ideas quoted directly from audio recordings on the day of the event. Unfortunately, a couple of audio recordings were not complete.
Fr. Dean Dowle MC - Archdiocese Edmonton
Lord, give us the will and words to share that which will open minds, touch, hearts, and change souls.
Ferdie Mandita - Past State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus
Our founder devoted his life to care for widows and orphans. Our mission - to support mothers in need and their children, both unborn and born - is at the core of who we are as Knights. The Knights of Columbus vigourously defend the dignity of human beings at every stage of life from natural conception to natural death. We have established ultrasound initiatives worldwide. We also recently launched an ASAP program, which gives aid and support after pregnancy.
Mary Hunt - Provincial President of the Catholic Women’s League
Our position on the sanctity of life is based on our belief in a God who we believe has the final say in everything. Albert Einstein wisely said that the road will not be destroyed by the those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.
We know the heartbreak when a woman is unable to conceive, or they experience a stillborn child. We also understand that the body of a woman belongs to her, and she should have control over it, but nature has made her more than a person unto herself. The female has been chosen to house and nurture the unborn. Therefore, when she becomes pregnant, she has a responsibility way beyond herself. She is carrying the next generation and we as a community have a responsibility to help and protect that unborn person.
Mother Teresa said it is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you can live as you wish. As Catholic women, we believe that as we engage in relationships with each other, no matter what the circumstances, society as a whole becomes stronger.
Since 1966, we have presented 50 resolutions to the federal government on the sanctity of life issues. We base our resolve in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Most Rev. Archbishop Richard Smith – The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton
What is necessary to build a culture of life? We need to speak of the beautiful gift of life. We need to celebrate the beauty and witness with gratitude. We need to serve and reach out to all.
What are needed today are radically transformed relationships defined no longer by estranged individualism and a false notion of freedom, but by a self giving love who welcomes the other as a gift.
Hon. Dan Williams – MLA (Peace River) Minister for Mental Health and Addictions
It is so good to stand with you as a citizen and an MLA. It fills me with purpose. This event is the kernal of our witness. We believe in the dignity of every single human life. That dignity is the very nature of every human life – it is indivisible, inalienable and not dependent on productivity.
Maria MacKeigan - 321 Blessed Mom Advocate and her daughter Jordan Grace
The doctor said my daughter’s life wasn’t worth living and pushed us to abort her. He was the professional …. And I went into a deep dark hole.
The only nights I was able to sleep through were the days that I would go to Prayer Group. I was surrounded by friends who prayed over me and my baby. God began to heal me. He opened my heart and my mind to the beauty of down syndrome. He prepared me for the birth of my beautiful daughter, Jordan Grace. Jordan Grace has a contagious zest for Life. She wakes up, excited about another day. My daughter is worthy of life not because of what she can do, achieve or be, but because she is human, just like you and me.
Rev. Robert Mohns - Lutheran Church Western Regional Pastor
Life has infinite and eternal worth. All life is sacred. The breath of God breathes life into each of us. Jesus declares “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, though he dies, shall he live!” All life is sacred.
God has spoken on the cross that you are worth it. He died and was raised again to silence the voice of the devil. God has given each of you infinite worth. Your infinite worth is sealed in Christ. Now consider the infinite worth of your neighbours sacred life.
Imam Mahmoud Mourra - A Leader in the Calgary Muslim Community
As a Muslim person, I do believe whoever decides to kill one soul kills the whole of humanity. Whoever decides to save one soul saves the whole of humanity. That soul is in your hands. The relationship between you and your baby is determined by God.
To live the best life, we need to learn how to sacrifice. We need to learn to share. When you share your life, you know God will provide, and you will live in ease. We need to learn to secure ourselves from predators.
Let’s step out of a selfish circle, and invest in our children. Jesus came out of the womb of a mother to show that unbreakable relationship.
Jagwinder Sidhu - Leader at Headway School and Leader in the Edmonton Sikh Community
All religions say to respect life! We do not question God. God does not make mistakes. What is bigger than life? Giving that life to humanity.
Is there room in your heart? Children are flowers to love. The child has rights and it is the duty of society to enforce those rights.
Pastor Elroy Senneker - Pastor at New Life Living Hope First Baptist Church Calgary
The Bible begins with the refrain, “and God said”, followed by “It was so”. God’s word has great power. We must show genuine care for the vulnerable. Isaiah 55 says God‘s word is effective. God‘s word will accomplish that which He purposes.
Lazarus come out! And the dead man walked. According to God‘s mercy, each of us who were dead in our sins, has been born again to a living hope.
Faith comes from hearing - Hearing through the gospel. God‘s word is effective. This is why we love the vulnerable. Thou shall not kill. God‘s goodness is the gospel. Give us ears to hear. To God be the glory.
Cam Cote - Western Outreach Director for CCBR and Host of the ProLife Guy’s Podcast
What a joy to be with you! Love never ends. Love hopes. Love trusts. Love protects. Love perseveres. This truth is at the root of all our conversations with abortion advocates. The truth without compassion is ineffective.
Dr. Alveda King - Christian Evangelist and Pro-Life Advocate
Glory to God! Together, we sang “How Great Thou Art”!!! (such a beautiful moment). The truth is right in front of us on all these banners.
I had two abortions and I needed to repent. God forgave me. Jesus healed me. Holy Spirit comforted me. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
My uncle Martin Luther King Junior said “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Thou shall not murder is for everyone because all have sinned. All human beings deserve dignity. It is written in Acts “0f one blood God made all people”. There is one race – the human race! Human life matters. Repent in your heart and ask God to heal Canada.
Lord, forgive us all. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Lord, we stand today for life, the human life, one blood, one race, from the womb to the tomb and on into eternity.
We all have a light in our hearts. Let’s sing together “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. / If your light won’t shine. Please don’t put out mine. / If your light won’t shine. I’ll share some of mine.”
