Step by Step

The walk may have only lasted a few miles but for those individuals who placed one foot in front of another, the message of the walk will hopefully last far longer.
The 20th Annual Pro-Life Walk through Ville Platte was held on Sunday, on the 45th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v Wade decision which legalized abortion in the United States. Nearly 100 local residents took part in the walk, including Louisiana Rep. Bernard LeBas, Judge John Saunders and former Louisiana Sen. Elbert Guillory, who served as a guest speaker for the event.
“We believe in life and we are protecting life and we are going to take steps -- further steps these next couple of years to further our war against the slaughter of our little babies,” Guillory said.
Each year the walk, which was originated by Father Randy Moreau in 1997, has pro-life supporters walk from Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church down Main Street before arriving at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.
“We are just here to promote the culture of life,” Our Lady Queen of All Saints Pro-Life Coordinator Stephaine Andrus said. “We feel that all life needs respect and that includes the born to the unborn, from the cradle to the grave.”
The passion of those who chose to walk the route was on display from young Stephen Fisher holding the processional cross to many residents holding banners and signs that read “Stop the Slaughter of Unborn Babies,” “Women Do Regret Abortion” and “Life is Priceless.”
“It is such a terrible scourge in this world,” Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church’s Pro-Life Coordinator Pitchy Tuminaro said. “We don’t holler loud enough to get attention. They say it is about a women’s choice. But it is two bodies not one. It is just unbelievable.”
Guillory echoed that sentiment during his keynote address, which drew a standing ovation, inside Sacred Heart following the completion of the walk.
“Planned Parenthood says that they are protecting women from having unwanted children,” Guillory said. “I have a better way. If you don’t want children then keep your pants on. It’s not that complicated.”
For those passionate supporters who took part in Sunday’s walk, continuing to build awareness about an issue they feel is needed more than ever.
“This obviously is a very peaceful community event,” Andrus said. “It is a great way to build awareness and talk to people that are very like-minded and gives you a sense of community. It gives you a moral boost.”
Added Tuminaro, “That is our purpose. We have been doing it a long time. It doesn’t help enough. When the law changes that will do it. Thankfully we have a Republican President and a majority in Congress. Hopefully it won’t be abortion on demand anymore. It’s been too long.”