Catholic faithful who take part in this year’s March for Life events in the nation’s capital can obtain a plenary indulgence, according to a decree from the Holy See.
To receive a plenary indulgence, which is a remission of the temporal punishment due for one’s sins, pilgrims must attend a March for Life event Jan. 19-20 in Washington in person or virtually due to age, sickness or “other grave reasons,” states the decree, issued from the offices of the Apostolic Penitentiary. Virtual opportunities include via TV, radio or social media.
For those attending in person, there are many buses leaving from around the Diocese of Camden the morning of Jan. 20.
The events in Washington include:
• The National Prayer Vigil for Life being held Jan. 19 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Opening Mass begins at 5 p.m. in the Basilica’s Great Upper Church. The principal celebrant and homilist for the Opening Mass will be Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
• Immediately after the Mass, a National Holy Hour for Life will take place at 7 p.m. with a Eucharistic Procession, Eucharistic Adoration, Recitation of the Rosary and Benediction. The Opening Mass and Holy Hour will be broadcast on various Catholic networks and livestreamed at nationalshrine.org/mass. Following, Holy Hours led by bishops from various dioceses around the country will be shared on the USCCB’s website, usccb.org/national-prayer-events-for-life.
• The National Prayer Vigil for Life will conclude at 8 a.m. Jan. 20 with the Closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph L. Coffey of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
• A Youth Mass of Celebration and Thanksgiving also will be celebrated before the March for Life, starting at 8:45 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with events concluding by 11:30 a.m. The Mass and other activities at the cathedral may be watched at the Archdiocese of Washington YouTube channel.
For a plenary indulgence, a person must show detachment from sin, go to confession, receive the Eucharist and pray for the intentions of the pope. For more, click here.
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