What is the March for Life?

Each year, thousands and thousands of Americans gather in the Nation’s Capitol to give a voice to the voiceless – to defend LIFE.  The March for Life provides all Americans with a place to testify to the beauty of life and the dignity of each human person. Each January, on the anniversary of legalized abortion in the U.S.,  pro-life leaders and groups gather to organize, unite and strategize around a common message, and to communicate this message to the government, the media and the nation in a way that is powerful and life affirming.

 

 

History

On January 22, 1974 thousands of pro-lifers participated in the first March for Life to stand up for the unborn. An inspiring rally was held as Members of Congress announced pro-life legislation and expressed their support for the pro-life cause. The program concluded with a “Circle of Life” march around the Capitol, followed by participants lobbying their Members of Congress.

Vigil for Life

The March for Life is a strong time of prayer for Christians around the world. Each year, over 20,000 pilgrims attend the annual Vigil for Life, held the eve of the March for Life, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest church in the Western Hemisphere.
The National Prayer Vigil for Life begins with the Solemn Opening Mass held in the Basilica’s Great Upper Church. Following the Opening Mass, the Vigil continues in the Basilica’s Crypt Church with the National Rosary for Life, followed by Night Prayer. Confession is also available in the Basilica’s Confessional Chapel.

The Vigil continues overnight in the Crypt Church with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Hours every hour on the hour through dawn, followed by Morning Prayer, Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
The National Prayer Vigil for Life closes with the Solemn Mass for Life celebrated on the morning of the March for Life in the Basilica’s Great Upper Church.

 

 

Click here to take the Pro-Life Week Prayer Challenge and moving Pro-Life Prayers. We also encourage to pray the rosary regularly for the sanctity of life. Also, search for pro-life sweatshirts here.