About 100 people participated in a Eucharistic procession Oct. 5 in Little Rock to celebrate Respect Life Sunday.
The day began with a rosary at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Attendees then followed Bishop Anthony B. Taylor as he carried a monstrance about half a mile to St. Edward Church in Little Rock. Joining him were the Knights of Columbus honor guard, diocesan seminarians and the handbell choir from Mary Mother of God Church in Harrison.
Bishop Taylor celebrated a bilingual Mass for more than 300 people. After Mass, a free taco lunch was served.
For the first time, the Respect Life Office hosted a student art contest. More than 100 entries were submitted for students in pre-kindergarten to eighth grade based on the theme, “Life: Our Sign of Hope.”
In the pre-K to first-grade division, first place went to Diana Edwards, St. Joseph School, Conway. Second place went to Kylie Jordan, also from St. Joseph School.
In the second-fourth grade divisions, the winner was Nicole Robles, St. Theresa School, Little Rock. Second place went to Evie O’Neal from North Little Rock Catholic Academy.
For the fifth-eighth grade division, Danilo Robles of St. Theresa School won first place while Erik Ramirez of North Little Rock Catholic Academy earned second place.
The Diocese of Little Rock staff choice went to Neriah Phee Terio of St. Mary Church in Helena. The Bishop’s Choice was given to Ayden Roque of Christ the King School in Little Rock.
Catherine Phillips, respect life director, said, “We had over 100 entries that came from classroom projects, catechist-led PRE activities and individual participation. The children’s interpretation of this year’s theme, ‘Life: Our Sign of Hope,’ was so creative and diverse. Our judges had a difficult task selecting the winning entries. For me, a highlight was watching Bishop Taylor choose a drawing to receive the Bishop’s Choice Award and then seeing his delight at presenting the award during the ceremony on Respect Life Sunday.
“We plan to host this contest again next year, and we hope it will foster greater reflection on what it means to respect the dignity of each person throughout all of life.”
