As they have for the past 46 years, members of the Diocese
of Arlington are preparing for the annual March for Life, a peaceful protest
through the nation’s capital in remembrance of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court
decision that legalized abortion. This year’s theme, “Unique from Day One,”
recognizes that at the moment of conception, a new life with its own DNA is
created.
Speakers at the Jan. 18 gathering will include commentator
Ben Shapiro and former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson. The March for
Life Rally will begin at noon at 12th Street on the National Mall; the march
will begin at 1 p.m.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge said that, “As was the case last
year, the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See has granted a plenary
indulgence that may be obtained, under the usual conditions, by those who
participate in the sacred celebrations carried out Jan. 17 and 18. The elderly, sick and homebound may also gain
a plenary indulgence if they spiritually unite themselves to these events and
make their prayer and penance an offering to God.
“Thank you for your faithful witness to the dignity and
value of all human life, and please be assured of my prayers for you,” he said.
The diocesan Office for Marriage, Family and Respect Life
offered free cinch backpacks to groups attending the march so they can share
via social media #WhatsInYourBackPack.
The diocesan-sponsored Life is VERY Good rally for teen
marchers will be held Jan. 17 at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena in
Fairfax. Nearly 8,000 people will attend the evening of prayer featuring the
band I Am They, musician Steve Angrisano and speaker Chris Stefanick. GMU
chaplain, Father James R. Searby, will emcee the Jan. 18 morning rally
featuring keynote speaker Sister of Life Bethany Madonna. Mass will be
celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and concelebrated with other visiting
bishops and priests.
The annual prayer and action campaign “9 Days for Life,”
sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro Life
Activities, will run Jan. 14 to 22. The nine-day novena leads up to the annual
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Jan. 22. The
9daysforlife.com website provides ways for Catholics to join the novena and to
access resources.
