Archdiocese Of Philadelphia To Participate In 2018 March For Life In Washington D.C.

Thousands of faithful from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will travel to Washington D.C. to participate in the 2018 March for Life, which is taking place on Friday, January 19th.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the March and the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions legalizing abortion nationwide. 

The March for Life activities will begin with a Solemn Opening Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The principal celebrant and homilist will be Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and Chairman of the United States Conference for Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

Thursday, January 18, 2018
5:30 p.m.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Avenue Northeast
Washington, DC 20017

Following the Opening Mass, the Vigil continues in the Basilica’s Crypt Church with the National Rosary for Life at 8:00 p.m., followed by Night Prayer at 9:00 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Basilica’s Confessional Chapel (Our Lady of Hostyn).

On Friday morning, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will be the principal celebrant at a special Mass for the delegation from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Diocese of Rochester, and Diocese of Toledo. Students from the Archdiocesan high schools, parish and regional elementary school, and staff from Archdiocesan ministries including Catholic Social Services will be in attendance.

 Friday, January 19, 2018
10:00 a.m.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Avenue Northeast
Washington, DC 20017

The 2018 March for Life Rally will take place at 12:00 p.m. on the grounds of the National Mall, in between Madison Drive and Jefferson Drive. Following the Rally, the March will begin on Constitution Avenue between 12th and 14th Streets at approximately 1:00 p.m.

Pope Francis, has granted a Plenary Indulgence to those who participate in the events surrounding the March for Life in the Diocese of Arlington and the Archdiocese of Washington. Conditions for obtaining the indulgence include: The Sacrament of Reconciliation, the reception of Holy Communion, and prayer for the intention of the Holy Father. Those who would like to obtain the gift of Indulgence should be truly penitential and motivated by charity.

For Media Coverage of Bus Departures from Philadelphia Area for Washington, D.C. on Friday, January 19, 2017

 (N.B. These denote group departures from select schools and does not reflect the full scope of participation form the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia)

  • A bus from Pope John II High School, Royersford (Montgomery County) with approximately 95 students will depart for Washington, D.C. at 5:45 a.m. – 181 Rittenhouse Road, Royersford, PA 19468.

  • Two buses from Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School (Delaware County) with approximately 90 students will depart for Washington, D.C. at 6:30 a.m. – 403 North Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.

  • A bus from Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School (South Philadelphia) and West Catholic Preparatory High School (West Philadelphia) with approximately 50 students will depart for Washington, D.C. at 6:30 a.m. – 1736 South Tenth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

  • A bus from Roman Catholic High School for Boys (Center City Philadelphia) with approximately 50 students will depart for Washington, D.C. at 8:20 a.m. – 301 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

  • Two buses from Bishop Shanahan High School (Chester County) with approximately 90 students will depart for Washington, D.C. on Friday, January 19th at 12:30 p.m. following the conclusion of a school Mass and commissioning of the students attending the March for Life – 220 Woodbine Road, Downingtown, PA 19335.

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Editor’s Note: For more information on the March for Life or to view the 2018 March for Life route map, please visit http://marchforlife.org/march-life-2018/rally-march-info/

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Contact:
Alaina Longo
Media and Events Specialist 
215-587-3747 (office)