Catholics at the capitol

Catholics+at+the+capitol

“A good Catholic meddles in politics.” – Pope Francis

Students and staff from Cotter and members of the Catholic community in Winona made a pilgrimage to the Minnesota State Capitol Tuesday, February 19.  A total of 42 parishioners from the Diocese of Winona-Rochester attended, it should also be noted that a significant portion of the delegation were non-Catholic, which further echoes the Catholic message of inclusion and diversity.

The beginning of the event was held at the River Centre, a convention center in downtown St. Paul. Roughly a thousand people were in attendance. The morning consisted of a multitude of speakers including Winona’s own Bishop, John Quinn.

One of the major highlights of the event was Hollywood actor Jim Caviezel. Caviezel spoke about his faith and his various roles such as playing Jesus Christ in The Passion of The Christ directed by Mel Gibson, and his role as Edmond Dantes in The Count of Monte Cristo. His speech was truly inspiring and his relation to the common person was refreshing.

Once Caviezel finished,the group departed to the capitol to advocate for the dignity of the human person. The two main priorities were bringing to light the exploitation and subsequent danger of commercial surrogacy and the appropriation of funds to a government program called The First 1,000 Days. The delegation got to meet with Rep. Greg Davids from District 28B and Senator Miller from District 28.

 

After meeting with legislators the event concluded with the praying of the rosary in the capitol rotunda.

Winona congregation with Bishop Quinn, Senator Miller, and other dignitaries at the Capitol

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cotter students pose for a picture at the River Centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senator Miller answers questions and interacts with Cotter delegation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students propose legislation to Rep. Davids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Corcorans relax on the floor before meeting with Senator Miller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lucy Fitch and Lily Corcoran stand with Senator Miller after eventful meeting.