More than 1,500 Catholics and other pro-life supporters from southwestern Pennsylvania will be boarding buses in one week, headed for Washington, D.C. for the 49th Annual March for Life. A series of local Masses and marches also will mark the event, which was held virtually last year.
It was January 22, 1973, when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion nationwide, leading to the loss of more than 63 million children, according to pro-life organizers. “Together. We Stand for the Unborn” is the theme of the 2022 March for Life.
“I am more hopeful that Roe vs. Wade will be overturned,” said Helen Cindrich, longtime leader of People Concerned for the Unborn Child (PCUC). “The support of clergy is important.”
Bishop David Zubik will celebrate a Mass for the Protection of Human Life on Thurs. Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. in Saint Paul Cathedral, Oakland, and live streamed here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxi7e8bgFgZ7hvy78qciWyQ?view_as=subscriber. The Mass will unite the clergy and the faithful of the diocese with the National Prayer Vigil for Life promoted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops celebrated in Washington ahead of the March for Life. The Rosary will be prayed at Saint Paul Cathedral at 6:30 p.m.
On Friday, Jan. 21 at 1 p.m., after Mass at Holy Child Church in Bridgeville, the 2nd Annual Corpus Christi Parish March for Life will take place. Organizer Lois Rebich said adoration also will follow Mass, with benediction at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, Jan. 22, following 9 a.m. Mass at Saint Angela Merici Church, Father Terry O’Connor will lead Mary, Mother of God Parish’s March for Life through White Oak. Participants will be praying the Rosary, and are asked to wear face coverings and to social distance.
“We must begin anew to affirm the sanctity of each human life in existence at fertilization, and we shall carry out our duty to assure that pro-life words are fulfilled by pro-life deeds,” said Anita Theiss with PCUC and LifePAC.