Dawn Fitzpatrick, director of the Respect Life Office for the Archdiocese of Chicago, said more than 250 individuals from the archdiocese were on the trip. (Photo by Dawn Fitzpatrick)

Jenna Vondrak will never forget heading to the nation’s capital for her first March for Life.

Not because Mother Nature stopped the Chicago Heights resident and her peers throughout the Chicago Archdiocese from participating in Friday’s pro-life event that they traveled 15 hours to be a part of, but because the trip changed her perception.

“It was a life-changing experience,” Vondrak said. “I am truly convinced that I will come back the rest of my life.”

The Marian Catholic student said she was unclear of her position on the pro-life/pro-choice debate and went on the trip seeking answers.

“I became pro-life on the trip,” Vondrak said. “I went hoping to go and meet God. I went in hopes my eyes would be opened.”

Although not getting the opportunity to join thousands for the March for Life on Friday on the National Mall due to Winter Storm Jonas, Vondrak was still happy with what she and other teens from the Chicago area were able to accomplish on the trip.

“We proved to people there is point in what we say,” Vondrak said. “No matter what, we got things done.”

Despite having to miss the culmination of activities, Vondrak said the activities they did participate in — events such as the Life is Very Good Rally and Mass and conferences — made a difference.

Dawn Fitzpatrick, director of the Respect Life Office for the Archdiocese of Chicago, said more than 250 individuals from the archdiocese were on the trip. She said the decision was made to leave Washington D.C. on Friday before the worst of the winter storm hit.

“It was a disappointment, but we were still able to make a stand for life, which was important, and this was such a great group,” Fitzpatrick said. “There were still a record number of people in spite of things and a lot left early.”

She said the Chicago area group was able to participate in rallies and Mass despite the onslaught of the winter storm.

Fitzpatrick said a full year of planning goes into the archdiocese’s annual trip to the nation’s capital.

She said seminarians from St. Joseph College led the trip, which included discussion on the bus about vocations, life and faith.

“The kids have been great,” Fitzpatrick said from a bus on the return trip. “It has been a nice time.”

Joseph Dempsey of Elmwood Park was on his second trip to the March for Life rally.

“The first time I was definitely nervous about the experience,” Dempsey said.” The second time was more enjoyable.”

A senior at St. Patrick High School on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Dempsey was with 14 classmates on the trip.

“The whole experience was worth it,” Dempsey said. “We had to miss a little school to be here, but it was a great experience. I plan to do it again many times in the future.”

His classmate, Pablo Montalvo of Cicero, was also on his second March for Life trip.

“By helping protest, we put in the minds of people what matters in life and that you can’t take life for granted,” Montalvo said.

The St. Pat’s junior said his favorite part of the trip was being in discussions with other young people.

He said it was great to be in an environment that let everyone speak and discussing what is important in life.

Montalvo said he was a little disappointed that the winter storm stopped the group from being part of the final rally.

“You can’t control the weather. What happens happens,” Montalvo said. “I will pray and hope that next year is better.”

Vondrak said she hoped teens and women considering abortions would turn to others for advice.

“Before deciding anything, think about the decision. Go to church,” the Marian Catholic student said. “Talk to anyone, get another opinion. Some people do not perceive that.”

Vondrak said she came away from the March for Life events with a strong message.

“Never judge somebody until you walk a mile in their shoes,” she said. “Love people for who they are.”

— Local teens rally for life —