Archbishop Bernard Hebda recently returned from the 50th March for Life held in Washington, D.C., something he said has been part of his life since high school. “I really appreciate the opportunity to show my support for that cause,” he said, “and I’m always inspired by the number of people who come out year after year.”  

The “icing on the cake” for the archbishop this year was participating with a group of young people from the archdiocese, many of them high school students who traveled in four buses to the nation’s capital. “I really was so impressed by the quality of our young people — not only their commitment to life, but also their ability to articulate why they’re opposed to abortion, and really even to be able to explain the philosophy and the theology behind the respect for each human life,” he said. He also praised their prayer and creativity. 

“They stepped up and led morning and night prayer each day for us,” Archbishop Hebda said. “And we had a good group of seminarians with us who … set the bar high when it comes to liturgy.” 

The desire to celebrate exists following the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, Archbishop Hebda said, but it’s difficult when “recognizing that our work, in so many ways, is just beginning.” “Even though we face difficult legislative battles around the country, at the state level this time, I have confidence that our young people, as they reach voting age and as they become more engaged politically, that they’re going to be able to change things,” he said. “So that’s a great blessing.” 

Archbishop Hebda discussed his experience at the March for Life and other timely topics with “Practicing Catholic” radio show guest host Tom Halden, the archdiocesan director of the Office of Communications. Asked about Bishop-elect Michael Izen’s ordination in April as an auxiliary bishop for the archdiocese, Archbishop Hebda said he is excited about the work the new bishop will do.  

“I have a sense that he’s very respected by our brother priests, he has a real passion for Catholic education, he’s a superb liturgist … . He has so many gifts and I’m anxious to see how it is that the Holy Spirit will use them here.” 

Near the end of the interview, Halden asked Archbishop Hebda what Catholic Schools Week means to him. To hear his response and to hear the entire interview, listen to this episode of “Practicing Catholic,” which debuts at 9 p.m. Jan. 27 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM and repeats at 1 p.m. Jan. 28 and 2 p.m. Jan. 29.  

Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show also includes an interview with Laura Hester, director of scholarship programs for the St. Paul-based AIM Higher Foundation, which provides tuition assistance to families in need for use at archdiocesan Catholic grade schools; and Jason Slattery, director of the archdiocesan Office for the Mission of Catholic Education, who describes a new branding initiative for his office and the value of Catholic schools.  

Listen to interviews after they have aired at PracticingCatholicShow.com or choose a streaming platform at https://anchor.fm/practicing-catholic-show.