Fr. Vaillancourt, the pastor of the Cathedral Marie-Reine-du-Monde in Montreal— Photo: Joanne Of Arc

By Joanne of Arc for Quebec Life Coalition 

Father Alain Vaillancourt, pastor of the Cathedral Marie-Reine-du-Monde in Montreal, agreed to speak with Quebec Life Coalition about March for Life.

Each year, the Cathedral encourages youth to participate in the March to promote a culture of life in Quebec.

Along with Brian Jenkins, Vice President of Quebec Life Coalition, the three of us sat down for a brief chat before attending mass at the Cathedral which was offered in support of the 40 Days for Life vigil beginning February 22, 2023.

Joanne for QLC: Brian told me that you are a frequent participant in the March for Life?

Father Alain Vaillancourt: Ah, yes, I've attended several times!

Joanne for QLC: Do you know how many Marches for Life have you participated in?

Father Alain Vaillancourt: I haven't counted them!  However, I have been going to them since I have been at the Cathedral... so for over 10 years, I must have done at least five. My goal is to go every two years.

Joanne for QLC: Why is it a priority for you to attend the March for Life? We know that priests are very busy...

Father Alain Vaillancourt: Thursday is my day off!

[We share a moment of laughter].

Joanne for QLC: Always?

Father Alain Vaillancourt: Yes!

[We continue to laugh together]  

Joanne for QLC: It's good timing then! What did you think of your last walk?

By Joanne of Arc for Quebec Life Coalition 

A young adults group from YTOL (Youth Teams of Our Lady) at March For Life in 2019 — Photo: YTOL Canada

This year will mark the 26th year that March For Life is being organized by Campaign Life Coalition in Canada during the month of May.  

Vice President of CLC, Matthew Wojciechowski released a special presentation joined by his team who are members of the organizing committee for the March which you can find on the March for Life website.  

Here at Quebec Life Coalition, we want to give you our top 10 reasons for attending the March for Life this coming May.  

1. You will be part of the largest yearly pro-life protest in Canada happening on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. March For Life will take place on Thursday, May 11th, 2023. As presented on their website, this year’s theme is : “STAND FIRM” which is elaborated through the following statement :  

“We stand firm for the pre-born, mothers in crisis pregnancies, those targeted due to disability, and the elderly in hospitals and care homes. We march in solidarity with the vulnerable and marginalized.”

2. You will get to experience that you are not alone in your fight for life. If you have ever felt alone in your convictions about life beginning at natural conception, the March For Life will prove you otherwise. You will get to march with thousands of other pro-life youth and families that stand firm in their fight for life.  

Young adults from the youth movement YTOL at the March in 2016 — Photo: YTOL Canada

3. You will be inspired by dynamic speakers that are part of the “Silent No More” awareness campaign who will share their powerful testimonies about abortion and why they regret it. Moreover, Isabel Brown from Turning Point USA will also share her story and encourage students to stand for life and make a difference in their homes, schools, and communities.  

4. By attending the pro-life summit you will strengthen your pro-life position. The day after the March you can attend a pro-life summit. According to Kim Headley from Campaign Life Coalition, “Approximately 500 students and young pro-lifers ages 13-29 will attend our six-hour structured summit intended to educate and inspire.” 

5. You could come home with new skills, experiences and friends. You will also get to meet different religious communities such as the Sisters of life or the Jesuits and fraternity groups like the SSPX or the FFSP.