WASHINGTON — As Joseph Monahan walked from a quiet section of the National Mall to the site of the March for Life pre-march rally, he sometimes found himself engulfed by different groups — the University of Mary, the Diocese of Toledo, various high schools, and other universities, dioceses, and organizations. 

“You see this many people, and you just say, ‘Wow,’ ” Monahan told The Tablet. 

Arriving in the nation’s capital on a Diocese of Brooklyn bus around 11 a.m., Monahan participated in the March for Life for the first time on Jan. 24. It’s something he said he’s wanted to do the past couple of years, but the logistics just didn’t work out. 

“Third times a charm,” said Monahan, who lives in Howard Beach and is a parishioner at St. Helen. “I had to come this time to finally put action to the faith.” 

Monahan may be new to the March for Life, but he said he’s always been pro-life. It goes back to his parents, who had trouble conceiving him. He credits them for never giving up in trying to conceive him over the course of 10 years. 

“My mother went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral every day she worked in Manhattan … to pray to God and say ‘Please let me come full term and have a baby,’ ” Monahan said. “After 10 years, I was finally conceived. Glory to God.” 

In Washington, Monahan emphasized that the march was an opportunity to put his faith in action. He also noted that one of the beautiful things about the United States is everybody has the opportunity to gather and advocate for a cause.

“We have every right to show up peacefully,” he said. 

When asked about pro-abortion laws in certain states, specifically New York, Monahan said it’s important for people to keep it simple and take it “one step at a time” because “in the end, God wins.” 

“We all matter. We’re all made by God,” Monahan said. “Even if someone doesn’t believe in God — whatever you believe, we all have life, and everybody’s life matters. Everybody’s prayers matter. Everybody matters. That’s what life’s about.”