Friday, January 22, will mark 38 years since the Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion for any reason throughout pregnancy, was handed down. It will also mark the 37th Annual March for Life, as hundreds of thousands of pro-lifers descend on the Capitol to protest the legality of abortion and its promotion.
While the crowd last year was estimated at more than 300,000, leaders are speculating that there may renewed interest and larger crowds this year as people react to pending health care legislation that includes paying for abortions with Americans’ tax dollars. An international contingent is also expected to be present in tandem with an event sponsored by Human Life International.
Even many who cannot make the trip to Washington, DC will participate in the March this year by entering the Virtual March for Life. Just select your personal avatar, and send it to the national Mall!
If you do make it to Washington, where the weather is expected to be above freezing and mostly cloudy, the Solemn Vigil for Life Mass will be held in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2010. The Solemn Mass for Life will be held the next morning, January 22, at 7:30 a.m. Pennsylvanians should note that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Right to Life Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Justin Rigali at the Shrine at 10:00 a.m.
Pennsylvanians typically send dozens of filled buses to the March for Life, including those organized by Catholic schools and parishes. Many of Pennsylvania’s Catholic Bishops are also expected to be in attendance. Some events, including the March for Life itself and several Masses will be televised by EWTN.
