For the Joy of Life

March 1, 2025

Thousands of high school and college students gather for prayer, celebration and witness at Life Fest

By Cecilia Engbert

March 1, 2025

The band Scythian performs during Life Fest at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax. — Eric Latcheran (center), a Fourth Degree Knight in northern Virginia, joins Dan and Alex Fedoryka, founding members of the band Scythian and brother Knights, onstage Jan. 24 during Life Fest at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax. (Photo by Matthew Barrick)

It was well below freezing and barely past sunrise on Jan. 24, but that didn’t deter thousands of young people from streaming into EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, to pray and rally at Life Fest before the March for Life in nearby Washington, D.C.

The two-day event, co-hosted by the Knights of Columbus, the Sisters of Life and the Diocese of Arlington, began the previous night with musical performances, pro-life testimonies and Eucharistic adoration. On both days, long lines formed for confession and the opportunity to venerate relics of St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. John Paul II and Blessed Michael McGivney, among others.

In its third year, Life Fest merged with the Diocese of Arlington’s long-standing Life is Very Good event to offer a dynamic celebration of life for young people. Emcees Sister Charity and Sister Cora Caeli of the Sisters of Life welcomed the animated crowds Thursday night before giving the stage over to the band We Are Messengers and Grammy-nominated musician Matt Maher.

Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, before leading the evening’s closing Eucharistic procession and Benediction, encouraged attendees to reflect on the theme of the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.

“Hope for us is rooted in a person, Jesus, the Son of God and the son of Mary,” he said. “Our hope is rooted in his power to transform hearts.”

On Friday morning, participants were greeted by the band Scythian, founded by Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka, both members of John Carrell Jenkins Council 7771 in Front Royal, Virginia. The brothers joked that their 8 a.m. performance was one of their earliest performances in 20 years, but they were thrilled to “open for Jesus.”

“This is the generation that forges ahead. [Their] energy is electric,” Alexander affirmed. “We feel that when we’re on stage. There’s a joy that gives us an extra kick, that we love playing for.”

Over the events two days, several women shared their personal testimonies. One mother, Susanna, spoke about how her fear and desperation when faced with an unplanned pregnancy were met with strength and support from the Sisters of Life. Another woman, Connie, shared how the sisters accompanied her on her healing journey, leading her to receive forgiveness as she sought to overcome the shame and despair that followed abortion.

For the young Catholics in attendance, the witness of their peers was inspiring as well. John Paul Tamisiea, a senior at St. Mary’s Central High School in Bismarck, North Dakota, said Life Fest was well worth the 30-hour bus ride he and his classmates made to Washington.

“Just to see a lot of young people so attracted to supporting life is powerful,” said Tamisiea.

Peter Lucas, a teacher at St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfries, Virginia, and a member of Mount Vernon Council 5998 in Alexandria, agreed.

“It’s really important to give young people an opportunity to experience the joy of witnessing for life,” said Lucas, who helped lead a group of students to both Life Fest and the march. “I know how much I benefited from the march when I was their age — it’s awe-inspiring and very rewarding.”

Life Fest concluded with Mass celebrated by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, joined by three concelebrating bishops and more than 50 priests. Father Scott Traynor, a priest of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who is also a Knight, delivered the homily, sharing how his experience as a child of adoption has shaped his pro-life commitment.

“I’m grateful for whoever was in [my birth mother’s] life that rallied around her, that didn’t let her be overwhelmed by fear but helped her and supported her love in action to make a generous choice for life,” Father Traynor said. “Jesus calls us, you and me, to be instruments and witnesses of his love and love in action.”

*****

CECILIA ENGBERT is a content producer for the Knights of Columbus Communications Department.

Chana Gaskins and her three children enjoy some time playing outside.

For the Joy of Life

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