January 16, 2009
TO THE 36TH MARCH FOR LIFE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will lead thousands of people from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, January 22, 2009. This date marks the 36th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 that legalized abortion. Joining Cardinal Rigali will be the four Auxiliary Bishops of Philadelphia; priests and religious men and women; seminarians from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, students and parishioners.
As Chairman of the Pro-Life Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Rigali will be the principal celebrant and homilist for the Vigil Mass for Life held on:
7:00 p.m.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Avenue, NE
Washington, D.C.
*** For Media Coverage of Bus Departures from Philadelphia: Students and staff from Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School will depart for Washington, D.C. on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 7:45 a.m. from the Acme Supermarket parking lot, 11th and Passyunk Streets in South Philadelphia. Buses also will depart from Cardinal O’Hara High School, Springfield, Delaware County, at 6:35 a.m. and Archbishop Ryan High School, Academy Road, Philadelphia, at 6:00 a.m. ***
Cardinal Rigali also will be the celebrant and homilist at the Mass for Philadelphians attending the March for Life on:
10:00 a.m.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Avenue, NE
Washington, D.C.
The special Mass will precede the Rally for Life which begins at 12 noon at the National Mall. The faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will meet at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street and process behind the Archdiocese of Philadelphia banner, which will be carried by Seminarians from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.
Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747