STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—More than 700 Franciscan University of Steubenville students, alumni, faculty, and staff will attend the national March for Life on Friday, January 23, in Washington, D.C.

Events begin on Franciscan University’s campus Thursday, January 22, at 10:30 p.m. with a pro-life Holy Hour. Then, seven busloads of students will leave for D.C. and arrive in time to attend the 8:00 a.m. Mass for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Focused on the theme “Life Is a Gift,” the March for Life starts with a pre-rally concert at 11:00 a.m. and a rally at noon on the National Mall. Then, the march begins at 1:00 p.m., proceeding down Constitution Avenue and ending at Capitol Hill.

“The number of students who attend the march is truly incredible. Each year brings Franciscan’s faithful witness to the gift of human life,” said Michaela Shovak, president of Franciscan University’s Students for Life club. “This year provides a special opportunity for us to reflect on the love of God through his creation of humanity. Now more than ever, it is important for us to illuminate the sanctity and blessing of all human life, which is created in his image.”

Franciscan University students have attended every national March for Life since the inaugural events in 1974.