Catholics across the country are encouraged to observe a nationwide prayer vigil Thursday, January 19 and Friday, January 20 to pray for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life in post-Roe America. The National Prayer Vigil for Life will once again be held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the March for Life. 

Sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Pro-Life Secretariat, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and The Catholic University of America Office of Campus Ministry, the National Prayer Vigil for Life will begin with an Opening Mass at 5 PM ET in the Basilica’s Great Upper Church. The principal celebrant and homilist for the Opening Mass will be Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

Immediately following the Opening Mass, a National Holy Hour for Life will take place with a Eucharistic Procession, Eucharistic Adoration, Recitation of the Rosary, and Benediction.  The Opening Mass and Holy Hour of the National Prayer Vigil for Life will be broadcast on various Catholic networks and will be livestreamed on the Basilica’s website at www.nationalshrine.org/mass. Following, Holy Hours led by bishops from various dioceses around the country will be shared on the USCCB’s website.

The National Prayer Vigil for Life will conclude at 8:00 AM ET on Friday, January 20 with the Closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph L. Coffey of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

The full schedule of the 2023 National Prayer Vigil for Life is listed below. (All times are inEastern Time.)

Thursday, January 19:

4:45 PM Chaplet of Divine Mercy

5:00 PM Opening Mass with Bishop Burbidge

7:00 PM Holy Hour for Life

8:00 PM Live-stream of bishop-led holy hours throughout the night

Friday, January 20:

8:00 AM Closing Mass with Bishop Coffey

Live-streaming information for the overnight bishop-led holy hours from various dioceses will be provided on the USCCB’s website.