SPRINGFIELD, Ill.— Bishop Thomas Paprocki joined the pro-life contingent, thousands strong, to proclaim the dignity of human life on March 21 in the state capital.

This is the start of an annual showing in Springfield; previously, the state march had been held in Chicago, timed for around the date of the Roe v. Wade anniversary.

Marching by the Illinois Capitol and near a statue of Illinoisan Abraham Lincoln, the vast crowd attested to the beauty of life as they carried signs stating such reminders as: “It’s a beautiful day to save lives,” “Every life has value, ”and “Life is a gift of God!”