On January 19 pro-lifers will join together for the Walk for Life San Diego. The event will begin at 9:00 AM at the city’s Balboa Park, at the corner of 6th Avenue and Laurel Street. The master of ceremonies will be pro-life hero Walter Hoye, best known for being imprisoned for passing out leaflets in front of an Oakland, California abortion business. Hoye’s conviction was later overturned.

Rallies and speeches will take place both before and after the Walk. The invocation will be given by Father Nabil Mouannes, a Maronite Catholic priest. Father  Mouannes serves as pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Maronite Church in Carmichael, California. Until earlier this year he was serving as pastor of St. Ephrem in El Cajon. On September 8, 2008, San Diego’s then-auxiliary bishop, Salvatore Cordileone, joined Father Mouannes at St. Ephrems for a rosary procession and Mass for the protection of life. Father Mouannes is also active in the 40 Days for Life campaign.

Other clergy joining Father Mouannes on the podium will be Jim Garlow, lead pastor of the Skyline Church in La Mesa.  Skyline Church is a member of the Wesleyan denomination and has an average weekly attendance of 2,500 persons.  In addition to his support of the unborn, Garlow is known for his support of natural marriage, and is a leader in the  Pulpit Initiative movement, which encourages pastors to speak out on moral issues.

The benediction will be given by Pastor Matthew Richardt, of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Escondido. Pastor Richardt has been active in the 40 Days for Life campaign, and Gloria Dei Lutheran helps support the Alternatives Women’s Center, a pro-life crisis pregnancy center in Escondido.

Lay speakers include Charmaine Yoest of Americans United for Life; sidewalk counselor Roger Lopez; Leslie Brunolli, the San Diego regional coordinator of the Silent No More campaign; and Dr. George Delgado, medical director of Culture of Life Family Services.  Women who have faced crisis pregnancies will be represented.

Exhibitors at the rally will include John Paul the Great Catholic University, The Ruth Institute, the Issues4Life Foundation, a number of organization which help women in crisis pregnancies, and 40 Days for Life.

For more information visit https://www.sandiegowalkforlife.com/