Celebrating the sanctity of human life and continuing to pray for an end to abortion remains an enduring effort since the Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade last June. While the pro-life movement celebrates the Court’s Dobbs ruling, it continues to work for a culture of life.
Locally and nationally, a number of celebrations and events offer opportunities for the faithful to lend their prayers and voices for a resounding witness of respect for life this month, traditionally associated with the annual March for Life in the nation’s capital.
The 2023 March for Life takes to the streets of Washington, D.C., on Friday, January 20. The 50th anniversary of the annual March celebrates the momentous overturn of Roe v. Wade with its theme, “Next Steps: Marching into a Post-Roe America.”
The annual March for Life begins at noon on the National Mall, and this year features guest speakers Tony Dungy, NFL-Hall of Famer and former head coach; Jonathan Roumie, who portrayed Jesus in “The Chosen;” and awarding-winning musical group “We Are Messengers.”
The March will begin at 1 p.m., and move up Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court. Information about the event is available at www.marchforlife.org.
In conjunction with the National March for Life, Holy Spirit Parish in Palmyra will have its annual Right to Life March on January 20. Sponsored by the parish’s Right to Life Committee and Knights of Columbus Council 10502, the event will begin at the parish at 11:30 a.m., with a livestream of the National March for Life Rally and pro-life speakers at noon. A local, one-mile march to the square in Palmyra for a prayer will begin at 1:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served after the march. For information, contact Art Bond at 717-383-8583 or abond702@comcast.net.
The Diocese of Harrisburg will have its annual Respect Life Mass on Saturday, January 21 at Holy Spirit Church in Palmyra at 4 p.m. Bishop Ronald Gainer will be the celebrant and homilist for the Mass, which commemorates the lives lost to abortion since 1973 and prays for a culture of life in our nation from conception to natural death. The Mass will also be available via livestream.
In Gettysburg, St. Francis Xavier Parish will host “Practical, Pro-Active, Pro-Life,” on Saturday, January 14 at Xavier Center on Table Rock Road. Dr. Joshua Hochschild, professor at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md., will discuss what we do now after the Dobbs decision, and what Catholics can do, practically, to promote life and dignity in today’s culture. Join the event for pizza and a talk, ask questions and learn how to put Catholic teaching into practice.
This month, Catholics are encouraged to continue to pray for an end to abortion and to witness to a culture that values and respects all life. Contact your parish to inquire about additional pro-life events in your area.
By Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness
