Statement from Bishop Burbidge for
March for Life and Life is VERY Good 2019

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The month of January provides us with opportunities to express our belief in the dignity and value of all human life and to provide public witness that we will not be silent when injustices like abortion continue to have a place in our society. Each year, people from around the country gather in our nation’s capital for the March for Life. I take this opportunity to thank all who travel from great distances to take part in public action on behalf of those who cannot speak out for themselves. Most especially, I thank our parishes for their participation and the hospitality they show to others throughout this week.

In addition to marching for life, I take this opportunity to encourage all of the faithful to participate in “9 Days for Life” from January 14-22, 2019 (more information is available at USCCB.org). I pray that one day we, united in prayer, and persistent in our advocacy for the unborn and the vulnerable, will root out any instance of injustice or violence against human life.

In one of the most powerful and energetic events on the diocesan calendar, I look forward to seeing our youth at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax for the Life Is VERY Good Evening of Prayer (January 17, 7:30 p.m.) and Rally and Mass (January 18, 9 a.m.). The annual March for Life rally begins on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., at noon on January 18.  

As was the case last year, the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See has granted a plenary indulgence that may be obtained, under the usual conditions, by those who participate in the sacred celebrations carried out on January 17 and 18.  The elderly, sick and homebound may also gain a plenary indulgence if they spiritually unite themselves to these events and make their prayer and penance an offering to God.

Thank you for your faithful witness to the dignity and value of all human life, and please be assured of my prayers for you.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington