By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

As abortions and euthanasia deaths rise to record levels across Canada, Catholics were among those witnessing to their pro-life convictions at Life Chain events from coast to coast, including in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Hour-long public witness took place in Humboldt, Unity, and Saskatoon again this year on Life Chain Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.

The B.C. Catholic recently reported that abortions in Canada continue to climb, reaching 101,533 in 2023 — the highest number ever recorded nationally. At the same time, euthanasia deaths rose to 15,343 nationwide, 4.7 per cent of all deaths, also a record high.

During Life Chain 2025 at the corner of Idylwyld Drive and 22nd Street in Saskatoon, a diverse group of participants of all ages provided public witness for protection of life and an end to abortion.

Those in attendance included families, Knights of Columbus members and leaders such as KC Culture of Life Chair Louis Roth and State Deputy Marte Clemente Nogot, as well as representatives of the Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association, and Bishop Mark Hagemoen.

“Being pro-life means embracing a holistic vision that supports life-affirming choices and safeguards the most vulnerable. Together, we can co-create a world where every human life flourishes,” said State Deputy Nogot on a Facebook post about the event, calling for pro-life advocates to “join forces to uplift the inherent value of every human life, from the first spark to the final breath.”

Saskatoon’s bishop joined the Life Chain for the last half hour, having just returned from a trip to the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan for the installation of new Archbishop Charles Duvall, CSsR and the farewell to Archbishop Gerald Pettipas, CSsR, who ordained Hagemoen as a bishop in Yellowknife in 2013.

“At this very busy intersection, I encountered many dedicated persons witnessing to the Dignity of Human Life, who were expressing that abortion is wrong and a problem for our world, and that children and family life are a blessing for the human community,” said Hagemoen.

“As I spoke with some of those present for the prayerful and respectful witness, cars would drive by – some supportive of the message being represented, and some not supportive,” he said. “Perhaps the most disturbing for me was a young women who drove by very angry, yelling obscenities at those witnessing, and expressing herself in a very demeaning and destructive way. The most uplifting moment for me, however, was the response – one of respect and calm, which featured even a few waves by those giving witness.”

The bishop added: “I must say that it was good for my spirit to see such a witness of respect and ‘love in action.’ I am grateful for the privilege of lending support in some small way to those gathered.”

Life Chain began in Yuba City, California, USA, in 1987. Campaign Life introduced the event to Canada three years later. For more information see Campaign Life Coalition’s website: https://www.campaignlifecoalition.com/life-chain.

Pro-life witness in Saskatoon continues with Forty Hours for Life held 9 a.m. to noon weekdays at the corner of 7th Avenue and Queen Street in Saskatoon, organized by Campaign Life Coalition, with signs provided for this time of prayer and witness. (Those who can help with a one-hour time slot can contact: campaignlifesk@gmail.com.)

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.

Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.