Submitted by: Nicky Perri, Secondary Religion and Family Life Consultant
Recently, Marqus Gardens in Hamilton came alive with purpose and passion as more than 60 HWCDSB staff and students from the Culture of Life Committee gathered for the annual Respect Life Dinner. The evening was more than a meal. It was a call to action, a celebration of life, and a shared commitment to defending the most vulnerable.
In an atmosphere of warmth and fellowship, music and prayer set the tone for an inspiring night focused on respecting the dignity of all human life. The theme, “Defenders Among Us,” presented by Hamilton Right to Life, invited those in attendance to consider how they might bring compassion and courage into their everyday interactions to speak for those who cannot speak.
A highlight of the evening was the keynote segment, featuring voices of faith and conviction. Among them was Carrie Geenen, a Grade 12 student from St. John Henry Newman Catholic Secondary School, whose powerful testimony about her role in the pro-life movement encouraged others to reflect on the impact young people can have. She spoke about the importance of informing others and passing on the message of life.
She was joined by Jessica Fabrizo, mother of Vito, a child with Down Syndrome, who shared her family’s experiences and spoke about the joy Vito brings to those around him. Father and son, Rino and Lorenzo Campanelli, also offered meaningful reflections that emphasized the importance of recognizing the inherent value and dignity of every person through prayer and peaceful action.
As the evening came to a close, participants left not only with full hearts but with a renewed sense of mission to defend the sanctity of all human life with courage and compassion in their communities.
Voices of Hope: Student Reflections on the Respect Life Dinner
For HWCDSB students who attended, the Respect Life Dinner became a moment that ignited hope and inspiration to continue standing up for life.
“Each speaker was unique, although they all advocated for the same issue: protecting lives,” one student shared. Jessica Fabrizo’s words resonated deeply: “Having Vito and going out into the world with him, I feel like I have this very special life that I get to share with everybody.”
Carrie Geenen’s testimony also motivated students to consider their own call to action. “Her speech deepened my desire to advocate for pro-life,” another student reflected. “Overall, I had an amazing night with my friends, and this event really opened my eyes to issues that need to be advocated by our youth.”
Another student shared a sense of hope as well. “What stood out to me was how many youth and young people came out. It gave me so much hope in our generation and the future of the pro-life movement.”
