THE ESSENCE OF LIFE — Some 650 young people from 24 high schools throughout the Archdiocese of Newark and beyond filled Walsh Gymnasium on the campus of Seton Hall University, South Orange, on April 23 for the seventh annual New Jersey Pro Life Youth Rally, sponsored by the Salesians of Don Bosco. The all-day program featured prayer, live music, skits and a witness talk from Cheryl Riley and her daughter Erica from Queen of Peace High School, North Arlington. Students from Gloucester Catholic High School (located near Camden) performed the opening skit with four cast members wearing placards that read: “Remember God Chose You,” which drew a huge applause from the audience. The rally ended with Mass celebrated by Father Joseph Meagher, director of the archdiocesan Respect Life Office. Advocate photos – Ward Miele