FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2021
This Friday, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, and Parishioners From Across the Diocese to Participate in 48th Annual March for Life, Held Virtually This Year
Pro-Lifers Gather in Virtual Setting to Continue Advocating the Right to Life for the Unborn During Ongoing Pandemic and Civil Unrest
ARLINGTON, Va. - On Friday, January 29, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, and parishioners from most of the Diocese's 70 parishes will participate in the 48th annual March for Life, which historically takes place in Washington, D.C., but will take place virtually this year. The March is the world's largest pro-life event, held peacefully each year since the 1974, following the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion. The theme of the March, “Together Strong: Life Unites,” demonstrates the strength of joining even virtually to advocate an end to abortion and the right to life for all from conception to natural death.
“Each year, at the March for Life, we have the opportunity to draw closer to one another through our shared appreciation of the beauty and fragility of every human life. So, while this day marks a somber occasion, we celebrate the gift of human life, given only by Our Lord, and never grow weary of defending the right to life at every stage and condition,” said Bishop Burbidge. “As we advocate for laws to protect the unborn and join virtually for this year's March for Life, may we, like Saint Joseph, remain unwavering in our efforts to defend human life and accompany the most vulnerable among us. With prayerful support and compassion, may we also renew our commitment to women and men who have been deceived by abortion as they seek Our Lord's healing love and divine mercy. May Our Mother Mary hold us in her arms and guide us to her Son, Jesus Christ.”
Click here for Bishop Burbidge's full 2021 March for Life statement.
Organizers of the March for Life determined a virtual March is the most prudent path forward, given the ongoing pandemic and the significant pressure law enforcement and others are under around the U.S. Capitol. The virtual Rally begins at 12 p.m. ET and is followed by the virtual March. Individuals interested in participating in these historic events can sign up for livestreams here. A small group of pro-life leaders from across the country has been invited to represent activists from across the nation and peacefully March in the nation's capital.
The evening before the March for Life, on Thursday, January 28, from 7:30-9 p.m., the Diocese of Arlington will host a livestreamed prayer service for teens and families from the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, Va. The Life is VERY Good Evening of Prayer will include Adoration led by Bishop Burbidge, a keynote speech, and music. While COVID-19 guidelines preclude all but a small group of individuals to be present in person, participants are encouraged to attend the free event virtually hereat the Life is VERY Good Livestream. Teen pro-life activists are also encouraged to participate in livestreamed events the morning of the March for Life at Youth Rally and Mass for Life or March for Life related events. For more information on the youth events, contact Kevin Bohli, Executive Director of the diocesan Office of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries, at [email protected].
While COVID-19 restrictions have necessitated that Life is VERY Good take place in an adapted format this year, this annual event hosted by the Diocese typically welcomes approximately 11,000 young people from more than 49 dioceses and archdioceses from 26 states at George Mason University's EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Va. Many of the groups across the country who attended this event in the past are planning to participate virtually via livestream this year.
The Catholic Diocese of Arlington offers programs for women in crisis pregnancies and those who have experienced the pain of abortion. The Gabriel Project offers confidential assistance to women in a crisis pregnancy, and Project Rachel walks with individuals who have experienced the pain of abortion to find healing and hope. For more information on the Gabriel Project, visit www.helpforpregnantwomen.org or call 703-841-3810 (confidential help line). For more information on Project Rachel, visit www.helpafterabortion.org or call 703-841-2504 (confidential help line).
Hear from a woman who experienced the pain of multiple abortions and continues to experience Christ's healing mercy on the diocesan Searching for More Podcast on Hope and Forgiveness After Abortion, here.
For more information, visit the Catholic Diocese of Arlington's website.
Interested media, contact Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, at 571-215-8731 or [email protected].
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The Catholic Diocese of Arlington was established on August 13, 1974, and is home to 70 parishes and more than 460,000 Catholics. There are currently 276 priests serving in the Diocese and 49 seminarians discerning a priestly vocation. The Diocese has 37 parish (K-8) schools, four diocesan high schools, four independent Catholic schools and five free-standing (not connected with a parish school) pre-schools, serving more than 17,000 students.
Geographically, the Diocese includes the seven cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Winchester and the 21 counties of Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, King George, Lancaster, Loudoun, Madison, Northumberland, Orange, Page, Prince William, Rappahannock, Richmond, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Warren and Westmoreland.
