Bishop David Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay held a Disciples for Life conference on Jan. 22 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help.

“Hello, friends. We’re once again holding the Disciples for Life at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help on Saturday, January 22nd," Ricken wrote on Facebook before the event. "This conference is a great opportunity to come together to explore how discipleship informs and inspires our work to affirm and protect the dignity of all human life." 

The theme of this year's annual conference was "Walking with Moms in Need." The program included a keynote address from Tori Peterson, a young woman who spoke at last year’s Chicago March for Life, who shared an inspiring story on the power of choosing life and the Gospel Call to Walk with Moms in Need.

A panel highlighted some of the organizations that are dedicated to supporting moms in need before, during and after pregnancy. 

The conference concluded with a Q&A session with Ricken, followed by a pro-life rosary and the celebration of the annual Respect Life Mass. In addition, special morning sessions were held for youth and young adults.

According to a Guttmacher Institute study, roughly half of the women who got an abortion in 2014 were living below the poverty level, with women who are married accounting for only 14 percent of the abortion rate.

This year marks the 49th anniversary of the passing of Roe v. Wade.