WASHINGTON When the scores of buses coming for the Diocese of Paterson arrive at the nation’s capital for the 43rd annual March for Life Friday, Jan. 22, diocesan faithful getting off the buses will convene in a new location to begin the March.
Because of the ongoing refurbishment of the National Mall and new regulations that have been put in place that require temporary flooring to protect the grass, the March for Life rally has been moved from the West Front of the Capitol to the grounds of the Washington Monument, near the corner of 15th Street and Constitution Avenue. Following the rally at noon, the March for Life will begin at 1 p.m., on Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th streets (www.marchforlife.org).
Held every year since 1974, the March for Life marks the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 that legalized abortion. Each year, the March for Life carries a new theme. This year’s theme is “Pro-Life IS Pro-Woman.”
Those going to Washington earlier can also participate in several events prior to the March for Life. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, the new chairman of USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, will celebrate the Mass to start the overnight National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Jan. 21 and he will also celebrate a Mass Jan. 22 at the Basilica. There will also be a Mass and interdenominational prayer service at Constitution Hall before the March for Life and a Youth Rally and Mass for Life, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington at the Verizon Center and the D.C. Armory (www.facebook.com/youthrallyandmassforlife).
Following is a list of buses available for the faithful to reserve a seat on for the trip to Washington for the March for Life.