The March for Life in Washington D.C. began as a
grassroots response of pro-lifers nationwide to
Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision
legalizing abortion throughout the 9 months of a
woman's pregnancy. Each year, inspired by the
Holy Spirit’s gift of Reverence, Catholics and
all people of good will come together to pray
and publicly intercede on behalf of the unborn,
their parents, families, our communities, our
nation and its leaders - that this prayerful
presence may open hearts, minds, souls to the
fullness of the Gospel of Life in our lives and
laws.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
has declared that in all the dioceses of the
United States of America, January 22nd shall be
observed as a particular day of penance for
violations to the dignity of the human person
committed through acts of abortion, and of
prayer for the full restoration of the legal
guarantee of the right to life.
The Mass "For Peace and Justice" (no. 22 of the
"Masses for Various Needs") should be celebrated
with violet vestments as an appropriate
liturgical observance for this day. (General
Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 373)
Today the priest has a choice between several
different readings. He may preach on the
Readings of the Day, or one of the sets of
readings from the Mass for Peace and Justice.
It has truly evolved into a Pilgrimage of
intercessory prayer and public witness for all
those victimized by the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme
Court decision legalizing abortion; and for the
conversion of those who misguidedly perpetuate
it. Young and old from all walks of life and
from every part of the country rally together
and march down Constitution Ave., stopping at
legislative offices along route and ending at
the steps of the Supreme Court.
Over the years, several additional pro-life
conferences, pro-life vigils, and Masses have
come to surround the main event of the March
itself in DC., spread throughout the days
preceding the actual March, including special
events for youth, young adults, and college
students.
The 39th Annual March For Life will take place
on January 23rd, 2012.
Click here for a video of
remarks by Archbishop Joseph Naumann as he joins
fellow Catholic bishops in leading the crowds of
young people in opening prayer at the 2011 March
for Life Rally on the Mall.
Click below for a
March for Life 2011 video
Click below for a
March for Life 2010 video - (notes the lack of
mainstream media coverage)
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