US March for Life begins with Prayer Vigil

In the United States, more than 20,000 people took part in an all-night pro-life prayer vigil in Washington D.C.’s National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The annual Vigil takes place each year on the eve of the March for Life, taking place today to commemorate the Supreme Court decision that effectively legalised abortion throughout the United States.

In a fervent homily for the Opening Mass of the Vigil, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the U.S. Bishops Chair for Pro-life activities, spoke about the need to be credible witnesses for life: “We are the people of the Gospel of Life, we are the people of life. We first live our lives as credible witnesses. We are engaged in the truth about faith and charity.”

He also addressed threats to religious liberty, notably last Friday’s “literally unconscionable” decision by the Obama administration to force employers – including Church-run institutions – to provide sterilisations, contraceptives and abortifacient drugs as part of health-care plans. “Conscience protection and religious liberty for all who work for life, has indeed been put in jeopardy,” said the Cardinal, “and represents a significant and troubling issue. We must be perseverant and very clear in fighting for this constitutional right, unfailing in bringing this matter to the administration and to the Congress.”

Cardinal DiNardo also served as the main celebrant of the Mass, which was concelebrated by numerous Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops from around the country.

Following the Opening Mass, the Vigil continued in the Basilica’s Crypt Church confessions, a National Rosary for Life, Night Prayer according to the Byzantine Rite, and holy hours led by seminarians from across the country from midnight until 6:00 a.m. TheVigil concluded this morning with a closing Mass, led by Cardinal-Designate Timothy Dolan of New York.

Listen to the full audio of Cardinal DiNardo's homily from the Vigil's opening Mass, as broadcast by EWTN: