Wednesday was my first full day in our Nation’s Capital. Overall, it was a great day. DC is such a cool city. I had so many misconceptions about it (like it bring crime-ridden). Its been a great experience so far.

Tonight, I attended the Opening Mass for the National Prayer Vigil for Life. To get a seat, we had to get there very early (I was there about 2.5 hours early and barely got a spot in the main church). I had plenty of time, so I decided to do the Office of Readings. The Second Reading from the Office of Readings was from St. Ambrose. Here is an excerpt:

It is the birthday of Saint Agnes, who is said to have suffered martyrdom at the age of twelve. The cruelty that did not spare her youth shows all the more clearly the power of faith in finding one so young to bear it witness.

A new kind of martyrdom! Too young to be punished, yet old enough for a martyr’s crown; unfitted for the contest, yet effortless in victory, she shows herself a master in valor despite the handicap of youth. As a bride she would not be hastening to join her husband with the same joy she shows as a virgin on her way to punishment, crowned not with flowers but with holiness of life, adorned not with braided hair but with Christ himself.

This was a perfect thing to reflect upon the day prior to the March for Life. Just as St. Agnes, was innocent, so are the victims of abortions. We must work to protect the innocents of our time. Much of this will be exemplified tomorrow, when hundreds of thousands descend upon Washington, DC to March for Life. Very fitting, the US House of Representatives will be voting on H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Pray for the marchers, legislators and politicians, and the unborn!

St. Agnes, Pray for Us!