Celebrations and Other Observances Promoting Life

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With the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., nearing, many celebrations and other events in the Archdiocese of New York and down in D.C. will promote life in all of its stages and commemorate the tragic 1973 Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion across the United States. 

Due to inaugural events in our nation’s capital, the march will be held on Friday, Jan. 27. A listing of buses traveling from the archdiocese is posted on CNY’s website, cny.org.  

In the Archdiocese of New York

Bronx 

“Entering Canaan” Day of Prayer and Healing for Men, on Saturday, Jan. 21. The day addresses issues unique to men suffering because of a past abortion. Sponsored by Lumina and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.  Information and confidential reservations: Lumina at (877) 586-4621 or email lumina@postabortionhelp.org.

Dutchess

St. Mary-St. Joseph, Poughkeepsie, on Friday, Jan. 27, 8 a.m. A Mass will be offered for an end to abortion, followed by a peaceful prayer vigil at Poughkeepsie Planned Parenthood. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for those electing to stay in the church. Benediction will take place at the church after the vigil.

Manhattan

St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 1 p.m. A Day for Life, organized by the Sisters of Life, will include prayers, talks and street evangelization. The program features Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, an opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and four Holy Hours for Life. Sister Faustina Maria Pia, S.V., will deliver the closing talk and reflection on life. Cardinal Dolan will be the principal celebrant and homilist at a 5:30 a.m. Vigil Mass to conclude the afternoon, which will kick off the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Nine Days for Life. 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, Jan. 22, 10:15 a.m. Annual Respect Life Mass sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Cardinal Dolan will be the principal celebrant. 

St. John Nepomucene Church on Monday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m. Orthodox-Catholic Prayer for Unity and Life.

His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, primate of the Orthodox Church in America and Sister Virginia Joy of the Sisters of Life will speak and offer prayers for life.  Sponsored by St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, St. John Nepomucene and St. Francis Xavier Cabrini parish, and St. Vincent Ferrer and St. Catherine of Siena parish.

Orange

Sacred Heart Church, Monroe, on Saturday, Jan. 21, 11 a.m. A Mass of Thanksgiving for the closure of the oldest abortion center in Orange County will be celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Dominick Lagonegro. A reception will follow. To RSVP for the reception, call Genevieve at (914) 850-3297.   

St. John the Evangelist, Goshen, on Friday, Jan. 27, 3 p.m. Prayer service in the chapel.

Rockland

Rosary for Life and Divine Mercy Chaplet on Sunday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m. at Planned Parenthood, 25 Perlman Drive, Spring Valley. Sponsored by the Rockland County Catholic Coalition. Information: Eileen at (845) 492-6709.

Sullivan

St. Peter’s Church, Monticello, on Sunday, Jan. 22, 3 p.m. Holy Hour for Life.

St. Peter’s Church, Monticello, on Monday, Jan. 23, after the 12:15 p.m. Mass. Holy Hour for Life.

Westchester

Rally for Life on Saturday, Jan. 21, 12 noon-1 p.m. at “All Women’s Health and Medical Services” abortion clinic, 222 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. An hour of prayer and public witness to remember the millions of unborn lives lost since the tragic Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion. Sponsored by Right to Life Coalition of Lower Westchester, Westchester and Putnam Right to Life Committee and People for Life, Hudson Valley Coalition for Life, Northern Westchester and Putnam Center for Life and Advocates of Life. Information: Alan at (914) 232-1168.

Immaculate Conception, Tuckahoe, on Saturday, Jan. 21, 1-3 p.m., An Afternoon of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession. Join with us as we anticipate the observance of the 44th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. We will gather to pray and intercede on behalf of our entire nation, seeking forgiveness and healing in God’s merciful love. The afternoon includes a prayer service, adoration and an opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation. Information: Sister Cora at (914) 961-3643.

Immaculate Conception, Tuckahoe, on Monday, Jan. 23, 6-7 p.m., Holy Hour for Life. 

In Washington, D.C.

Thursday, Jan. 26

National Prayer Vigil for Life 

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 

400 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C.


Confessions, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Confessional Chapel of the Crypt Church (Our Lady of Hostyn)


Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 5-5:15 p.m., Great Upper Church


Solemn Opening Mass, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Great Upper Church; Principal Celebrant and Homilist: Cardinal Dolan, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities


Confessions, 8:30-10:30 p.m., Confessional Chapel of the Crypt Church (Our Lady of Hostyn)


National Rosary for Life, 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Crypt Church


Night Prayer (Byzantine Rite), 10-11p.m., Crypt Church


Holy Hours for Life, 11 p.m.- 6 a.m., Crypt Church (led by seminarians)

http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/national-prayer-vigil-for-life-schedule.cfm

“Life Is Very Good” Evening of Prayer (for Youth Groups)

Eaglebank Arena (formerly Patriot Center), George Mason University, Fairfax, Va., 7:30-10 p.m. Evening includes Eucharistic Adoration and confessions. Features Father James Searby, Mark Hart, The Afters and Ben Walther Band. Reserve tickets: $17 each. Information: www.arlingtondiocese.org/youth/lifeisverygood.aspx

“Celebrate Life with the Franciscans of the Renewal and Audrey Assad”

Mother Seton Catholic Church, 19951 Father Hurley Blvd., Germantown, Md., 6-9:30 p.m. Evening includes Holy Hour led by the friars, dinner, and concert with Audrey Assad. Reserve tickets: $15 each for dinner and concert. Information: (301) 444-3495 

Friday, Jan. 27 

National Prayer Vigil for Life 

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception


Morning Prayer, Benediction and Reposition, 6:30 a.m., Crypt Church


Closing Mass, 7:30 a.m., Great Upper Church. Principal Celebrant: New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond

http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/national-prayer-vigil-for-life-schedule.cfm

Youth Rally and Mass for Life at the Verizon Center and D.C. Armory

The Archdiocese of Washington will host the Youth Rally and Mass for Life on the morning of the national march at the Verizon Center and the D.C. Armory, both in Washington, D.C. All tickets have now been reserved. To be placed on a waiting list, contact youthrally@adw.org or (301) 853-4555. Information: www.youthrallyandmassforlife.org

Mass for Life with Cardinal Dolan 

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 619 10th St., NW, Washington, D.C., 8 a.m. All New Yorkers are welcome to attend.

“Life Is Very Good” Morning Rally and Mass (for Youth Groups): Eaglebank Arena (formerly Patriot Center), George Mason University, Fairfax, Va., 9 a.m.-noon. Doors open at 8 a.m. Morning includes rally, Mass and opportunities for confession.  Features Sister Miriam James Heidland, S.O.L.T., speaker and author, and Ben Walther Band. Reserve tickets: $17 each, which includes a Chick-fil-A lunch to go. Discount rate of $28 if attending the evening and morning “Life Is Very Good” events.  Reserved seating in order of payment. Information and to purchase tickets: www.arlingtondiocese.org/youth/lifeisverygood.aspx

44th Annual March for Life  

Musical opening, 11:45 a.m.; rally, noon; march, 1 p.m.


The March for Life rally will take place on the grounds of the Washington Monument, near the corner of 15th Street, NW and Constitution Avenue. Following the rally, the march will begin on Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th streets. Information: www.marchforlife.org

“Latinos por la Vida” Concert

Sheraton Tysons Hotel, 8661 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, Va., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Features Martin Valverde and Azeneth Gonzalez. Reserve tickets: $35 each. Information:  http://www.latinosporlavida.com/eventos.html

Saturday, Jan. 28

“Latinos por la Vida” Conference for Spanish-Speaking

Sheraton Tysons Hotel, 8661 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, Va.; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Reserve tickets: $20 each, includes breakfast and lunch. Information: www.latinosporlavida.com/eventos.html 

Students for Life East Coast Conference

FBC Glenarden Event Center, 600 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Md.; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The Students for Life East Coast Conference is a one-day event that provides education, training and opportunities with pro-life activists from across the United States. Information: http://sflalive.org/ 

Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life

Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.,   followed by Mass for Life at 5 p.m., Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart. The theme is “Working Toward a Truly Pro-Life Politics.”  Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the conference is named in honor of Cardinal John O’Connor, who advocated for the defenseless and defended pro-life positions. Information: www.oconnorconference.com/