The annual March for Life is a national event promoting respect and dignity for all human life from conception to natural death.
This year marks the 52nd anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions. At the time, they legalized abortion nationwide.
Faithful from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will take part in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Friday, January 24, 2025 to promote respect and dignity for all human life from conception to natural death. The Philadelphia delegation includes strong representation from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary as well as Archdiocesan parishes and schools.
March for Life activities will begin with an opening Mass celebrated for the delegation at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Most Reverend Efren V. Esmilla, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will be the principal celebrant and homilist.
Friday, January 24, 2025
10:00 a.m. Opening Mass
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Avenue Northeast
Washington, DC 20017
Following the Mass, participants from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will gather at 7th Street and the National Mall near the Smithsonian Institution, and begin the march along Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court building at approximately 1:00 p.m.
The Catholic Church’s strong commitment to protecting and preserving human life is a holistic one. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is one of the largest private providers of social services in the region. Our ministries and programs provide a continuum of care to those in need regardless of their faith tradition.
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Editor’s Note: To learn more about the 2025 March for Life, please visit https://marchforlife.org/. For information regarding programs administered by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit https://cssphiladelphia.org/.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will not issue bus permits for pilgrimage groups for the March for Life, as in previous years. The Shrine expects to accommodate comfortably all pilgrims arriving via bus in the Shrine’s parking lots. Any pilgrimage groups travelling via bus or van are asked to notify Dr. Drain, director of the Office for Life and Family, ([email protected]) of their anticipated attendance and group size.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
ArchPhilly
ArchPhilly
Contact:
Ellen Gallagher
Communications Coordinator
215-587-3747 (office)