We had learned abut the demonstration from the Ontario Bishop’s Office and had helped advertise it via e-mail and fliers which we sent to approximately 250 lay groups and individuals. So we were pleased to see a number of the people we had notified, including people from Second Chance Ministry (a counseling group for women who have had abortions), the Right to Life Association, Catholic Civil Rights, Campaign Life Coalition, and the Marguerite Bourgeoys Family Service.

We were especially glad to see two of the leaders in the Cursillo Movement, who had cancelled a training session and come all the way from another city to attend.

And though there were, of course, numerous Catholics, it was truly an interfaith and intercultural group which also included numbers of Sikhs and Moslems.

The theme of the rally was, “Say no to changing the definition of marriage,” and numerous speakers took the podium. Some of the talks were lengthy, but finally the march began.

We had a police escort, and holding our placards high, we walked at least 25 blocks through the heart of downtown Toronto. As we marched, organizers of the march, with bullhorns, read defense of marriage statements.

We were heckled, first by several screaming women, and then frequently by motorists and pedestrians. “Open your minds!” they shouted. “This is the 21st century.” “You know you’re wrong.” “Equal rights for everyone.”

Most of the marchers didn’t respond, and there were no ugly incidents.

However walking along Queen and Yonge Streets, between the neon lights, the garish signs, and the hecklers, we felt as if we were walking through hell’s domain.