The Archdiocese of Chicago to Participate in Local and National Respect Life Events throughout January
Chicago, IL (January 7, 2019) – The Archdiocese of Chicago will participate in a series of local and national events throughout January commemorating March for Life, an annual pro-life gathering in Washington, D.C., occurring on the anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade court decision legalizing abortion. The Archdiocese’s Respect Life Ministry will host Masses and prayer vigils in the archdiocese promoting the dignity and sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
Local activities will begin at 8 a.m., on Sunday, January 13, with a Youth Rally at The Frances Xavier Warde School, 751 North State Street, Chicago, followed by the Mass for Life at 11 a.m. at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 North State Street, Chicago. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will be presiding over the Mass. The day’s events will culminate in The March for Life Chicago rally at 2 p.m. at Federal Plaza, 50 West Adams Street, Chicago.
“All human life is sacred, regardless of his or her stage of development, and should be loved and protected,” said Cupich. “Each life, including the impoverished, the abandoned, the indigent, the vulnerable, the enslaved, the born and the not yet born, is a gift from God and should be valued.”
Chicago-area middle and high school students will gather at the Youth Rally to participate in activities promoting the well-being and protection of all human life and offering prayers for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities and those affected by violence. Singer and youth ministry leader Steve Angrisano will be the special musical guest at the Youth Rally.
Clergy and lay people from across the Archdiocese of Chicago are invited to participate in the Mass for Life, which concludes with sending congregates to join thousands for March for Life Chicago, an annual rally of civic, community and religious leaders and lay people from across the Midwest. Cupich will speak at the gathering before participants begin their march in peace from Federal Plaza through the Loop.
Additionally, more than 150 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Chicago will join Catholics from dioceses across the country at the National March for Life on Friday, January 18 in at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The Archdiocese’s Respect Life Ministry promotes the dignity and protection of human life through programs, education, pastoral care and advocacy. Programs focus on many topics, including protection of the unborn, euthanasia and assisted suicide.
For more information about Respect Life events, please visit https://pvm.archchicago.org/human-dignity-solidarity/respect-life-chastity-education/events.
