Catholics across the United States are invited to participate in a nationwide prayer vigil from January 23 to January 24, 2025. The event aims to pray for an end to abortion and foster greater respect for all human life.

The National Prayer Vigil for Life is organized annually by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Pro-Life Secretariat, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and The Catholic University of America’s Office of Campus Ministry. This vigil traditionally occurs on the eve of the March for Life, commemorating the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision.

The Opening Mass will be held at the Great Upper Church at the Basilica from 5:00-7:00 PM on January 23. Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, will serve as principal celebrant and homilist.

Following the Opening Mass, a National Holy Hour for Life will feature a Eucharistic Procession, Eucharistic Adoration, Recitation of the Rosary, and Benediction. Both events will be broadcast on various Catholic networks and livestreamed on www.nationalshrine.org/mass.

The vigil concludes with a Closing Mass at 8:00 AM on January 24, celebrated by Bishop Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn.

The full schedule includes:

- Thursday, January 23:

- 4:45 PM Chaplet of Divine Mercy

- 5:00 PM Opening Mass with Bishop Thomas

- 7:00 PM Holy Hour for Life

- Friday, January 24:

- 8:00 AM Closing Mass with Bishop Brennan

Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) will provide live broadcasts during these times and online streaming via the Basilica's website is available. For more details about attending in person at the Basilica, visit their information page online.

A plenary indulgence is offered this year to participants in either Mass or Prayer Vigil under usual conditions.