Fargo leads largest LIFE Runners relay launch

Fargo made history on Sept. 14 by hosting the largest launch for the LIFE Runners national A-Cross America Relay event since its 2013 inception—fittingly the same day Catholics celebrate The Exaltation of the Cross.

The A-Cross America event launched once again from four areas across the nation—north, south, east and west—to form a cross, signifying Jesus’ ultimate victory over sin and death. This was the first year the northern leg began in Fargo.
            
Around 50 people gathered at the Cathedral of St. Mary following morning Mass to “Remember the Unborn,” the ministry’s motto, including Bishop Folda, who offered an apostolic blessing to those waiting to walk several miles across the Red River to the area’s only abortion facility in Moorhead. 
            
The long line of walkers, which included babies in strollers, made their way from there, by Fargo’s busy Broadway Street, crossing into Minnesota over the Veterans Memorial Bridge, finally arriving at its destination a little over an hour later.
            
Prior to reaching the facility, where abortions take place each Wednesday, Patrick J. Castle, founder of the ministry, paused to offer a quick lesson in sidewalk advocacy, explaining the four audiences involved in abortion: the driver, the client, the public, and the abortion escorts. He then offered tips on how to approach each, given their varied roles in a potential abortion. 
            
He also prepped the walkers on what they were about to experience, noticing now the small crowd of pro-abortion folks, mainly facility escorts, waiting to meet the crowd with signs contradicting the pro-life message, while lewd music played through a speaker. 

Advancing toward the building, the pro-life procession peacefully, joyfully chanted, “All in Christ! For pro-life!” with a banner bearing, “Remember the Unborn,” and “Jer. 1:5” (“Before I knit you in the womb, I knew you”) leading the pack, with an American flag also prominent.  
At that point, alarms began blaring from the cars parked nearby—a move obviously planned in advance, presumably to disturb the LIFE Runners crowd. After the recitation of a Rosary decade, Castle led participations through a prayer dedicated to the unborn, followed by more words of encouragement.

“We just did what Jesus would do!” Castle began, noting that the crowd had “crossed the Jordan,” referring to the Red River, “at such a time as this! We really lived out our faith. This might be the most tangible moment in your confirmed life!”

Continuing to speak through horns blaring, he noted that the route had started at a cathedral named for Jesus’ mother, asking, “Does it feel good to be in the will of God?” “Yes!” the crowd responded. “Does it feel good to be on the winning team?” Castle continued. And again, a resounding, “Yes!”

 Following that, participants lined the sidewalk, kneeling for a brief time of private prayer, while some of the escorts taunted the pro-life crowd, including one wearing a witch hat, who called some of them names.  

Among the walkers was Bridget Turbide, executive director of the North Dakota Right to Life, who commented on the recent decision of District Judge Bruce Romanick who, on Sept. 12, struck down a North Dakota abortion ban. 

“It was totally unprofessional, inappropriate, very poor. He just did legal loop-around to do what he wanted,” Turbide said. “He acted as a policy maker instead of as a judge. He didn’t cite any law. It was all political theories and legal jargon,” adding, “We’re appealing it up to the Supreme Court right now, and hopefully they’ll rule with us.” If so a ballot measure likely will be drawn up in 2026.

Turbide said she’d never been to the Moorhead abortion facility but was grateful for the chance to see the spot where this critical issue is playing out in our area. 
Earlier, Castle had mentioned the recent decision, too, indicating the providential nature of LIFE Runners being present in North Dakota right now, drawing a connection with the event’s name and the significance of the day.

A mediation from the Byzantine liturgy, “Exalting the Cross,” begins: “By the tree of the cross you have healed the bitterness of the tree and have opened Paradise to men. Glory be to you, Lord!” The contrast of the peaceful procession with the actions of those waiting at the abortion facility seemed to make plain the LIFE Runners goal of bringing light to the world, through Christ, by encouraging us to remember the most vulnerable in our midst.