March For Life – Washington D.C.

January 21, 2022

What is the March for Life in Washington D.C.?

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 at our Nation’s Capital 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. 

Bus Pilgrimages to the March for Life

This page will be updated as more planned buses trips are added.

March for Life Mass for Archdiocese of New York Pilgrims with Cardinal Dolan

Opportunities for Local Prayer and Witness

If you are not able to attend the March for Life in D.C. this year, we encourage you to participate in local prayer events or peaceful, prayerful witness outside of an abortion clinic near you on Saturday, January 22nd. As we know a larger number of abortions occur on Saturday, we would encourage you to make Saturday, January 22nd a day of witness. For we know, “Abortions don’t happen in the White House, the Supreme Court, or the halls of Congress, they happen in the communities where you and I live, work and play. Truly, the greatest crossroads of life and death today is the sidewalk in front of your local abortion facility. We can go to where abortions are taking place to effect change” (Sidewalk Advocates for Life, Basic Training).

Prayer Vigil for Life

Join us for the Prayer Vigil for Life at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. 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.

Below is a listing of local events on Jan 21/22 in the Archdiocese of New York

Consider witnessing at one of the following abortion clinics:

Want to learn more about how to pray and witness outside of an abortion clinic? Click here for Tips for Witness.

What else is going on?

Check out the following events surrounding the March for Life!

National Prayer Vigil for Life

The National Prayer Vigil for Life is an all-night pro-life prayer vigil held on the eve of the March for Life each January. It is held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  The Opening Mass will begin on Thursday, January 20th at 5:30 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a 7:00-8:00 p.m. Holy Hour for Life. A closing Mass for the Vigil will be held at 8am on Friday morning. Typically, over 20,000 pilgrims from across the nation pray through the night for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life.

Note: This year the opening Mass will be open to the public on a limited first-come first-serve basis, with no advance registration required. Concelebrating Bishops and priests are still required to register here/ The Vigil Program will still be televised by EWTN and livestreamed on the Basilica’s webpage so millions can participate remotely.

Life is Very Good Rally- CANCELLED

Each year, more than 11,000 participants from across the country join the Life is VERY Good events at EagleBank Arena, in preparation for the March for Life. Life is VERY Good was unfortunately cancelled due to current COVID realities. Click here for more information.

Youth Rally and Mass for Life– VIRTUAL (LIMITED IN PERSON)

The Youth Rally and Mass for Life is typically held annually on the morning before the March for Life, gathering together more than 20, 000 youth from across the country at the Capitol One Arena in D.C to join in prayer and learn about the Church’s teachings on life. Click here to visit the official website.

This year the Youth Rally will be a primarily virtual event. The in-person event, to be held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, has limited-attendance and is open to local youth only.

The Youth Rally will include an official pro-life art contest, and submissions are welcome from any youth in the United States ages 13-18. The deadline for submission in January 1st, 2022 and they can be emailed to prolife@adw.org.

Cardinal O’Connor Conference (VIRTUAL)

The Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life is the largest collegiate pro-life conference in the United States! The conference will be held virtually on Saturday, January 22nd. This year’s speakers include Bishop Robert Barron, Msgr. James Shea, and Helen Alvaré. To register or learn more about the 2022 conference click here.

National Pro-Life Summit

A one-day training event for grassroots pro-life activists of all ages, hosted in D.C. the day after the March for Life. The National Pro-Life Summit will be held on January 22, 2022. Visit the website to register and for more details.

Novena For Life

9 Days for Life is a “digital pilgrimage” of prayer and action focused on cherishing the gift of every person’s life. A multi-faceted novena highlighting a different intention each day provides reflections, bonus information, and suggested actions. Join to receive the novena through the 9 Days for Life app, daily emails, or daily texts. Find the website here.

Resources for Youth

Make the March for Life more than just a one-day event! Prepare and form young people in an understanding of life and human dignity through these free resources from the McGrath Institute found here.

Other Sites to Visit

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Make time to visit “America’s Catholic Church!” Stop in for Mass, or explore the beautiful basilica, including the crypt. Find relics of Pope St. John Paul II, among others!

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Visit the National Shrine of Saint John Paul II! Make sure to give yourself time to explore the exhibit of his life and legacy, and to pray with his relic in the chapel. A beautiful and moving experience! Click the image below to visit the Shrine’s website.

Museum of the Bible

January 17 – 31, 2022
400 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Surrounding the March for Life, the Museum of the Bible is offering FREE ADMISSION! Plan your visit at museumofthebible.org and use the promo code ROSE2022 to receive complimentary access to Washington Revelations where you’ll “fly” past iconic places like the Lincoln Memorial, through the US Capitol, and over the Washington Monument as you discover biblical imagery and verses all around Washington, DC!