AMERICA/UNITED STATES - January 21-22: Prayer Vigil and March for Life

Washington (Agenzia Fides) – As in past years, this January 21-22, thousands of pro-life supporters from all over the United States will gather in the capital city to protest the legalization of abortion in the country in the March for Life 2009, this year being the 36th March. The March takes place every year in commemoration of the day on which the US Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973 and includes several related events including liturgies, prayers, Rosaries, and Eucharistic Adoration. On Wednesday, January 21, thousands of Catholics will gather in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for the National Prayer Vigil for Life. The act will begin at 7pm, presided by Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia and Chairman of the USCCB Committee for Pro-Life Activities. Immediately following the act, priests will be available to hear confessions until midnight and there will be the recitation of a National Rosary for Life. After the Rosary, there will be a moment of prayer in the Byzantine Rite, followed by turns of Eucharistic Adoration lasting until 6am of the following day. On January 22, the National Prayer Vigil for Life will conclude with a Mass at 7:30am presided by Bishop Paul Loverde of Arlington. Both Masses will be aired live on the Catholic channel, EWTN.
The organizers of this important event have also informed that the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, along with the Catholic University of America, will be accommodating the thousands of pilgrims who will come from all over the United States to participate in the annual March for Life. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 20/1/2009)