Walkers End Canadian Crossroads Walk for Life in Nation's Capital
By Tim Waggoner
OTTAWA, ON, August 18, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Five Canadians participating in the Crossroads pro-life awareness walk that began in Toronto on August 5, celebrated the successful completion of their journey in Ottawa this past Friday.
The five walkers constituted Canada's participation in the growing Crossroads organization, which every summer sees dozens of volunteers walk thousands of miles across the U.S. and Canada in support of the Culture of Life. This is the second year that Canada has had such a walk.
Tim Semlar led the group composed of Charles Pobee from Mensah NC, Sarah Gatt and Trisha Brownfield from Florida, and Clare Reeler from Ottawa. Three others including coordinator Nicole Campbell joined the group for the last few days.
"I want to sincerely thank those who participated in this year's Crossroads pro-life walk, those who offered their prayers and support and everyone who attended the mass and celebrations on Friday," said Campbell.
"Archbishop Prendergast fully supports us and we are extremely excited about its success and future walks like it," she added.
Their first stop in the nation's capital was the Morgentaler abortion clinic where they prayed for an hour, before moving on to offer prayers in front of the Parliament buildings. They officially ended their walk at Notre Dame Basilica.
That night a pro-life mass was held at St. Mary's Church where 200 people heard Father Kerslake's powerful homily on the need to defy the culture of death and build the culture of life, addressing many related issues such as abortion and euthanasia.
Related talks during a reception following mass capped off the night, including one from Semlar detailing the success stories from the walk. As well, Debbie Fisher from Silent No More gave a talk on her post-abortion testimony.
Campbell also gave a talk on the organization 40 Days for Life, which is hosting an introductory meeting Thursday August 21 at 7:00 PM in the basement of St. Patrick's Basilica on Kent Street in Ottawa.
In related news, on Saturday in Washington, D.C., pro-life leaders and activists rallied in front of the U.S. Capitol Building to celebrate the accomplishments of more than 30 young men and women who participated in the U.S. Crossroads walks.
The rally's keynote speaker was Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society, a national organization to help renew and strengthen Catholic colleges and universities.
Also speaking at the event were Crossroads President Jim Nolan, Father Peter West of Priests for Life, and Father Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R., the vice-postulator for Archbishop Fulton Sheen's cause of canonization.
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Canadian Crossroads Update and Profile of a Crossroads Walk Leader
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08081210.html
Canadian Crossroads Walkers Kick off Trek from Toronto to Ottawa
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08080712.html
