In January, I joined a pilgrimage from the Diocese of Saginaw documenting their trip to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. The March for Life is the nation's largest pro-life rally, in which hundreds of thousands mark the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling by protesting abortion and promoting respect for all human life.

Youth from the Diocese of Saginaw participate in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.
To see the gallery from the trip, click here.

I was also grateful to be able to spend some free time visiting my friend Sarah, who works in the social media department at National Geographic. We attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where we both studied photojournalism.

I joined her on a Walk With Locals photography event; dozens of DC locals get together and walk in a visually interesting area, making photos and friends along the way. It was fun and relaxing after the intensity of covering the March.

Our last stop on the pilgrimage before returning to Michigan was the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Youth from the Diocese of Saginaw visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, where Bishop Joseph Cistone celebrated Mass
It was so breathtakingly beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes. Throughout the upper and lower churches, images of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she has appeared to many cultures were enshrined:  Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of China, Queen of Ireland, Our Lady of Czestochowa.... everywhere were images honoring Mary as Mother and Queen of all humanity.

Youth from the Diocese of Saginaw visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, where Bishop Joseph Cistone celebrated Mass Youth from the Diocese of Saginaw visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, where Bishop Joseph Cistone celebrated Mass
Bishop Cistone celebrated Mass for pilgrims from around the country before we began our long trip back.

Youth from the Diocese of Saginaw visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, where Bishop Joseph Cistone celebrated Mass Youth from the Diocese of Saginaw visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, where Bishop Joseph Cistone celebrated Mass