US bishops call for nationwide prayer vigil against abortion

Amid a post-Roe era marked by increased chemical abortion use, state-level legislative struggles over abortion, and a presidential administration signaling some concessions to the abortion industry, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is inviting Catholics to participate in an annual nationwide vigil next week praying for an end to abortion and a strengthening of protection of human life. 

During the vigil, held every year on the eve of the March for Life, Catholics should pray “for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life,” a Jan. 13 USCCB press release states. 

Those gathered in Washington, D.C., for the Jan. 23 march have the opportunity to attend prayer vigil events at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, starting with Mass at 5 p.m. Jan. 22. Bishop Daniel Thomas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, is the principal celebrant and will give the homily.

The basilica, along with the USCCB’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, and the Catholic University of America’s Office of Campus Ministry, are hosting the events for the National Prayer Vigil for Life. 

After the Mass, the faithful will pray the rosary during a National Holy Hour for Life held in the Crypt Church in the lower level of the basilica. Bishop James Ruggieri of the Diocese of Portland, Oregon, will preside over the Holy Hour. 

At 8 p.m., Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic, New Jersey, will lead Night Prayer in the Byzantine Rite in the Crypt, according to the basilica website’s agenda for the vigil. 

Seminarians will lead Holy Hours throughout the night, from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., archbishop emeritus of Boston, will celebrate the closing Mass for the Vigil in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica at 8 a.m.