Archdiocese of Chicago to participate in Respect Life events

The Archdiocese of Chicago will participate in a series of local and national Respect Life events throughout January commemorating March for Life, an annual pro-life gathering in Washington, D.C., occurring on the anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade court decision legalizing abortion.

The Archdiocese's Respect Life Ministry will host Masses and prayer vigils in the archdiocese promoting the dignity and sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.

Local activities will begin Sunday, Jan. 14, with a Youth Rally at The Frances Xavier Warde School, 751 N. State St., Chicago, followed by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, presiding over the Mass for Life at 11 a.m. at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State St., Chicago.

The March for Life Chicago rally will culminate the day's events at 2 p.m. at Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams St., Chicago.

"All human life, at every stage and condition, should be valued, nurtured and protected," said Cardinal Cupich. "Each life is a gift from God. Society and its laws must protect the unborn, the vulnerable, the marginalized and the persecuted."

Chicago-area middle and high school students will gather at the Youth Rally to participate in activities promoting the well-being and protection of all human life and offering prayers for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities and those affected by violence. Musicians Greg and Lizzy Boudreaux will be the special musical guests at the Youth Rally.

Clergy and lay people from across the Archdiocese of Chicago are invited to participate in the Mass for Life, which concludes with sending congregates to join thousands for March for Life Chicago, an annual pro-life public rally of civic, community and religious leaders along with laity from across the Midwest.

Cardinal Cupich will speak at the gathering before participants begin their march in peace from Federal Plaza through the Loop.

Additionally, more than 500 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Chicago will join Catholics from dioceses across the county at the National March for Life on Friday, Jan. 19, in Washington, D.C.

The Archdiocese's Respect Life Ministry promotes the dignity and protection of human life through programs, education, pastoral care and advocacy. Programs focus on many topics, including protection of the unborn, euthanasia and assisted suicide.

For information about Respect Life events, visit http://bit.ly/2kWaEbt.