March For Life – Washington D.C.

January 20, 2023

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. This year, thanks to the Dobbs vs Jackson decision, the 50th March for Life takes place in a post-Roe world. But the March for Life is more important than ever as we strive towards a true culture of life in our nation! 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

These are the bus trips that were planned for 2022. Stayed tuned for information about 2023.

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 your. This year, the USCCB Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children observed with penance and prayer every year on Jan 22 is transferred to Mon, Jan 23 because Jan 22 falls on a Sunday.

Prayer Vigil for Life

Join us for the Prayer Vigil for Life at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. While, we will celebrate the marvelous gift of this egregious decision’s overturn on Jun 24th, we continue to memorialize with sadness the 64 million lives that been lost since 1973 and the damage it has done to our culture. We will continue to pray for an end to abortion here in New York and every where in the world.

Stayed tuned for a listing of local events on Jan 22/23 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 a 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 be celebrated by Archbishop Lori on Thursday, January 19th at 5:30 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a 7:00-8:00 p.m. Holy Hour for Life. Throughout the night, Holy Hours will be led by various bishops throughout the country and available on live-stream. A closing Mass for the Vigil will be celebrated by Cardinal O’Malley 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.

The Vigil Program will be televised by EWTN and livestreamed on the Basilica’s webpage so millions can participate remotely.

Cardinal O’Connor Conference

The Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life is the largest collegiate pro-life conference in the United States! The conference will be held on Saturday, January 21st. This year’s keynote speaker is March for Life president Jeanne Mancini. To register or learn more about the 2023 conference click here.

National Pro-Life Summit

A massive gathering of 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 21, 2023. 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!