400 Corpus Christi marchers rally at capitol

Some 400 people in eight buses from the Diocese of Corpus Christi traveled to Austin to take part in the Texas Rally for Life on Jan. 26. They joined thousands of Catholics from throughout the state.

	Photos by various participants

Governor Rick Perry, as well as a number of other state officials pledged their support for a culture of life and to the elimination of abortion.

The day began with a Living Rosary followed by celebration of Mass at San Jose Parish in south Austin. Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin celebrated the Mass and Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey of the Diocese of Corpus Christi was a concelebrant.

After Mass, participants marched in downtown Austin to the south steps of the state capitol.

Parishioners from various parishes in the diocese made the trip, including from Nuestra Señora de San Juan de Los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia, St. Anthony’s in Robstown, Holy Family, Our Lady of Good Counsel in Kingsville, St Michael the Archangel in Banquete, Corpus Christi Cathedral, Our Lady of the Pillar, Our Lady Star of the Sea, St. John the Baptist, Most Precious Blood, St Theresa’s in Corpus Christi, Christ the King, St Pius X, Sacred Heart in Rockport and St. Philip the Apostle.

Students from John Paul II High School, Incarnate Word Academy and Bishop Garriga Middle School, as well as members of the Young Adult and Campus Ministry also participated in the march and Mass held prior to the rally.