March For Life – Washington D.C. – January 29, 2021
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.
Important Update on the March for Life
We regret to share with you that the in-person March for Life 2021 has been officially cancelled. You can read the full statement released by the March for Life organizers here. The event will take place in a modified-form virtually. As a result, we will no longer be taking a bus trip to Washington, D.C. this year. You can sign-up here to watch live March for Life coverage from your home.
We are disappointed by this news. We trust, however, that the Lord will inspire us to witness to life in new and creative ways this year. Our hope is in God who is everywhere present and not confined to government buildings or courthouses.
Opportunities for Local Witness
If you are not able to attend the March for Life this year, we encourage you to participate in a day of peaceful, prayerful witness outside of an abortion clinic near you on Saturday, January 30th. As we know a larger number of abortions occur on Saturday, we would encourage you to make Saturday, January 30th 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).
Consider witnessing at one of the following abortion clinics:
Location: Bronx Abortion
2070 Eastchester Rd, Bronx, NY
Location: Dr. Emily’s
642 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY
Location: Planned Parenthood
26 Bleecker Street, NY, NY
Location: Parkmed NYC
800 2nd Ave #605, NY, NY
Location: Planned Parenthood
175 Tarrytown Road, White Plains, NY
Location: Planned Parenthood
136 Lake Street #11, Newburgh, NY
Location: Planned Parenthood
25 Perlman Drive, Spring Valley, NY
Location: Staten Island University Hospital North
475 Seaview Ave Staten Island, NY
Want to learn more about how to pray and witness outside of an abortion clinic? Click here for Tips for Witness.
The Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Join us for the Prayer Vigil for Life at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the 48th 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. Click here to reserve a spot.
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. 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. It is held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Prayer Vigil for Life on Thursday, January 28, 2021 will be closed to the public but will still be televised by EWTN so millions can participate remotely. Please see the adjusted 2021 Vigil schedule and visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information.
Life is Very Good Rally
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. After careful consideration of state and local COVID-19 regulations and consultation with Bishop Burbidge, the decision has been made that Life is VERY Good 2021 will not take place in its usual manner. Instead, there will be a livestreamed Evening of Prayer from the Cathedral of St. Thomas More on Thursday, January 28. This will include Eucharistic Adoration with Bishop Burbidge as the principal celebrant, as well as nationally known musicians and keynote speaker. Click here for more information on how to participate.
Youth Rally and Mass for Life
This year’s Youth Rally and Mass will be held virtually. The rally will begin at 8:30AM on January 29th followed by a live-streamed Mass at 10:00AM. Click here to visit the official website and to register for the Youth Rally and Mass.
Cardinal O’Connor Conference
The Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life is the largest collegiate pro-life conference in the United States! This year the conference will be held virtually. To register or learn more about the 2021 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 Pro-Life Summit has been postponed until January 22, 2022. Visit the website for more details.
#Stand4Life National Pro-Life Training
Students for Life of America is hosting a National Pro-Life Training & Activism Weekend, January 27-30, 2021. Receive leadership training via Facebook Live and participate in local activism efforts. Visit the website to learn more.
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.
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.
