Washington, Jan. 21, 2008 (CWNews.com) - Thousands of American Catholics are expected to join in a vigil Mass on January 21 in Washington, DC, before joining in the March for Life the following day.
Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, the chairman of the US bishops' pro-life committee, will be the principal celebrant and homilist for the vigil Mass, which will be held at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. On morning of the March for Life, the shrine will also host a Mass of Penance and Prayer at 7:30 a.m. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will be the principal celebrant and homilist.
January 22 will mark the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, with which the US Supreme Court overturned all restrictions on abortion.