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By Mary Jo Sullivan-Worley
My decision to march in the Women ’ s March on Washington , D . C ., was predicated on concerns for those who will be impacted by new federal priorities in the coming months and years . It was an opportunity to “ walk the walk , not just talk the talk .”
As was taught to me by my parents and religious sisters ( BVM and SNND ), I teach my children , grandchildren , and students , that every person is made in the Image and Likeness of God and is to be treated with dignity and respect . Respect for life applies to the child in the womb as well as throughout his / her lifetime . These teachings of my faith lead me to action .
Catholic Social Teaching compels me to contribute time , effort , and treasure to safeguard human rights that include : affordable health care , educational opportunity , responsible environmental stewardship , a living wage , the ability to organize , equal pay for equal work , a safe workplace free of bullying and sexual harassment , affordable housing , children living lives free of poverty and violence , funding
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for programs to empower the disabled , mental health care , religious freedom , ethnic , gender , and cultural equality , the protection of voting rights , and humane treatment of illegal immigrants .
The aforementioned issues were on my mind upon arrival at RFK Stadium , on one of nearly 2,000-chartered buses , with five women of my family ( from California , Illinois , and Maryland ). We immediately were greeted by friendly organizers , helpful D . C . police officers , and members of the Army , who lined the two-mile walk to the corner of Independence and 3rd .
The majority of signs carried were FOR a group of people , program , or policy . There were some negative signs , but they were in the minority . Marchers included many families with disabled children , women of varying ages in wheelchairs , multigenerational families , women wearing Muslim headscarves , African Americans , Native Americans , white women , and women in many shades of brown . I saw other Pro-Lifers , as well as , those who identified themselves as for abortion .
The spirit of EVERYONE I met was upbeat and positive . I carried a California flag and a sign that read “ Pro-
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Mary Jo Sullivan-Worley at the Women ’ s March in Washington , D . C . on January 21 .
Life Feminist 4 Social Justice .” I didn ’ t experience even one negative reaction from other marchers . We walked in peace and solidarity for human rights , even though having differing opinions on some issues .
There weren ’ t any incidents of
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violence or arrests made . One little girl ’ s sign touched my heart . It said “ Make America Kind Again .” Kindness was in abundance , shown by numerous businesses , residents , and a welcoming Lutheran church . They opened their restrooms , distributed free coffee , water , hot chocolate , and doughnuts to tired marchers .
The Lutheran ministers invited us into their church and hall to ensure nonjudgmental hospitality ruled the day . This March on Washington , D . C ., gave me the opportunity to stand in solidarity for social justice as a Catholic woman . Energized by what I experienced , I ’ m even more committed to personally advocating for the marginalized in my local and greater communities , confident that so many others are eager to work for dignity and respect for all .
Mary Jo Sullivan-Worley was a founding member of the Fremont Society Crisis Pregnancy Center , taught a combined 27 years at Saint Justin and Saint Simon schools , and currently is a volunteer teacher at the Learning and Loving Education Center , in Morgan Hill ( a ministry of the Sisters of the Presentation to immigrant women and their preschool children ).
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