More Than 14,000 Persons to Gather in Fairfax to Celebrate Life

2016-01-06
: ARLINGTON, Va. -- More than 14,000 persons from across the country will join the Diocese of Arlington in celebrating life at the eighth annual "Life is VERY Good" Evening of Prayer and Morning Rally on January 21-22, 2016. The two-day event, hosted by the Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry, will take place at George Mason University's EagleBank Arena.

"We designed the 'Life is VERY Good' events to uplift and inspire young pilgrims who come to Washington, D.C., to participate in the March for Life," said Kevin Bohli, Director of the Office of Youth Ministry. "The speakers and musicians lead teens and young adults from around the country in prayerful preparation for their defense of human life in all of its stages."

This year's event features musical performances by I Am They and the Josh Blakesley Band. This year the keynote speaker is Mark Hart, Vice President of LifeTeen. He is a best-selling and award-winning author of over a dozen books and one of the most sought-after speakers serving in the Catholic Church today. Jackie Francois Angel, another nationally known speaker and musician, will emcee the event.

On Friday morning, Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, will celebrate Mass for nearly 6,000 attendees. He will be joined by several bishops and archbishops from across the country. "This event always inspires me," remarked Bishop Loverde. "The sight of so many young people celebrating life with such joy and fervor is a testimony that life, in fact, is very good."

Digital coverage of the events can be found on social media under the hashtag #LIVG2016 and by following @arlingtonyouth on Twitter and @arlingtonchurch on Instagram. A video of last year's event and a preview of this year's celebration are available for embedding or viewing. Details about the event can be found here.

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