INDIANAPOLIS – The 2026 March for Life theme was "Life Is a Gift," focusing on celebrating, protecting and embracing the beauty and dignity of human life from conception. While the national event on Jan. 22 was held in Washington, D.C., the theme guided the various state-level marches, including in Indiana, to promote a culture of life.
Participants in the March for Life, including groups from the Diocese of Gary, traveled to the state’s capital and braved the frigid temperatures to make sure their voices were heard regarding pro-life issues.
Rosanne Kouris, marriage and family life coordinator for the diocese, said the Indiana March for Life is extremely important as it’s an opportunity to witness and stand strong in the commitment to the protection of life from conception to natural death.
Kouris explained that, with questions of abortion, assisted suicide, and the death penalty all at the state level, it is vitally important to let lawmakers know that its citizens want Indiana to be a strong pro-life state.
“We cannot be led into thinking that the struggle is over,” she said. “The pro-choice and pro-death voices are not silent, and they work tirelessly to chip away at Indiana's prolife stance. We must continually move the pro-life agenda forward.”
The March for Life, Kouris believes, is a very effective way to do just that. Not only is the march attended by many people, but they are also able to meet with the Indiana legislators to hear their opinions and voice theirs.
“The main goal of the March is the bold witness and support for life: to our lawmakers, to the people of Indiana, and to each other,” she said. “Both the bishops and the Indiana Right to Life stressed the importance of supporting women and families in need, outlining the programs of both the Church and Right to Life groups that do these things.”
This year, the Diocese of Gary was able to coordinate with its local Catholic high schools and arrange a special bus for them. This bus left earlier than the second one so that the students could attend the Youth Rally for Life and Mass for Life sponsored by all five dioceses of Indiana and presided over by the bishops of Indiana, which took place before the March.
“We had a great turn out,” Kouris said.
Kouris shared that the March for Life, whether in Washington, D.C. or in Indiana, is becoming more and more of a youth and young adult event.
“Most of the attendees were from high schools or colleges,” she said. “The young people are enthusiastically pro-life.”
Jason Novak, a theology teacher at Andrean High School in Merrillville, attended the March for Life in the past, but this year was his first time attending the youth rally. He said it was refreshing to see young people stand up for the dignity of life “from womb to tomb.” He felt the rally was a good experience as “the speakers and talks help keep things in perspective and can help us take these values and beliefs into our daily lives.”
The group that traveled to the state capital from Andrean included eight students. Novak shared that he believes the students truly enjoyed the experience.
“They were engaging in conversations along the route with other participants and taking plenty of pictures,” Novak said. “There were plenty of smiles and laughs along the way, all while supporting and upholding the dignity of life.”
Novak said it was good for the students to see a significant number of youth at or around their age participating in the event. He hopes the students realize that being pro-life is a great thing and that the event inspires them to continue to share and discuss these topics, no matter how difficult some of the conversations might be.
“Jesus didn't shy away from tough topics, and neither should we,” he said.
Bishop Noll had 12 students attend the March for Life in Indianapolis. Teacher Scott Zajac shared that some of the students did not know each other before going to Indy, and it was good to see them spend time together.
Zajac was happy to see the large number of young people present. He remembered Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart, a religious sister from Boston, who spoke at the rally, from some time he previously spent in the city. He called her “a beautiful soul and a witness of God's goodness and love,” and added that it was a treat to see her speak and share her wisdom on the goodness of life.
“The march itself was nice, but seeing young people engaged and participating in Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation always brings me great joy and hope in our young men and women,” Zajac said.
He explained that a few of the students were hampered with injuries, but seeing them complete the march with a good attitude amidst their struggles was an excellent opportunity to witness.
“They were able to see that they are a part of something big and beautiful,” Zajac said.
BNI student Abigail Buksa agreed, noting the march was a unique and beautiful opportunity. It was the second time she participated in a rally for life, but her first time marching for life with a group of peers her age.
“Being able to see several schools with people with similar beliefs and values as I do was a great experience,” Buksa said. “I truly felt Jesus was present the whole time, especially during the Mass at the convention center. The archbishop told us that we as Catholics stand together and shouldn’t let anyone tell us differently. It was cool to be a part of the bigger cause and marching for what I believe in.”
