The National Prayer Vigil for Life is hosted each January by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Pro-Life Secretariat, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and The Catholic University of America’s Office of Campus Ministry. The vigil always coincided with the eve of the March for Life, which marks the date of 1973 decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in Roe v. Wade that legalized and normalized abortion and the taking of innocent human life nationwide.
Catholics across the country are encouraged to observe a nationwide prayer vigil Jan. 19-20, 2023, to pray for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life.
“The National Prayer Vigil is a time to praise God for the great gift of the recent Supreme Court Dobbs (v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization) decision, overturning the tragic Roe v. Wade decision made almost a half-century ago. State and federal legislators are now free to embrace policies that protect preborn children and their mothers. Yet, there is still a great need for prayer and advocacy from the faithful, as there will be intensified efforts to codify Roe in legislation and policies at the state and federal levels. Many prayers and sacrifices are needed to transform our culture so that all may cherish the gift of human life and offer life-giving support to vulnerable women, children, and families,” said Kat Talalas, assistant director of pro-life communications at the USCCB.
The Vigil Opening Mass will take place at 5 p.m. Jan. 19, 2023. The principal celebrant and homilist will be Baltimore Archbishop William Lori, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities. There will be a Holy Hour for Life immediately after Mass, which will start a series of nationwide holy hours throughout the night from dioceses across the country that will be broadcast on the USCCB website. The nationwide vigil concludes at 8 a.m. Jan. 20, 2023 with a closing Mass at the Basilica to be celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Coffey of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
In January, the USCCB and basilica websites will offer information about livestreaming the events.
Catholics nationwide also are signing up for the national pro-life novena, 9 Days for Life, which will take place Jan. 19-27, 2023.