Last night’s Respect Life Vigil Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception was unlike any that I have ever attended. For many years, I’ve joined thousands of pilgrims at the basilica to pray for an end to Roe v. Wade. When the celebrant and preacher, Bishop Michael Burbidge, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, noted that this was the first time in 49 years that this Mass was being celebrated when Roe was no longer the law of the land, applause filled the basilica.
Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, encouraged all present. At the beginning of the Mass, he shared a message sent on behalf of Pope Francis. That message described the Holy Father’s deep gratitude for “the faithful witness shown publicly over the years by all who promote and defend the right to life of the most innocent and vulnerable members of our human family.”
With the Upper Basilica filled and hundreds of seminarians and priests — and two dozen bishops — in attendance, the Mass of thanksgiving was marked by hope and joy. A delegation representing the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America amplified that note of hope, because these Orthodox bishops have stood arm in arm with their Catholic brothers and sisters.
But it was clear that those gathered were not content to rest with the status quo. “Our work will not be complete,” preached Bishop Burbidge, “until God’s love is felt in every empty space created by abortion.” While calling for politicians to be held accountable, and encouraging the faithful in pro-life efforts, Bishop Burbidge called, above all, for us to live in charity. “The most important work that lies ahead,” said Bishop Burbidge, “is the work not only of changing laws but of changing hearts, with steadfast faith in the grace and power of God to do so.” Lasting victories, he continued, will come only from sincere efforts to convert minds and hearts. Turning to Pope Benedict XVI’s last words — I love you, Jesus — the bishop exhorted pilgrims to follow in the way of love that alone heals our suffering world.
In years past, a prayer vigil before the Blessed Sacrament lasted through the night, but that all-night vigil has not been held since January 2020. Instead, this year, the Mass concluded with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and a Eucharistic procession. Thousands of voices joined in singing, as Bishop Burbidge carried the Eucharist from aisle to aisle throughout the Upper Church of the Basilica.
A Holy Hour, presided over by Archbishop William Lori, archbishop of Baltimore and vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, followed the Mass. Pilgrims prayed a Rosary and joined in singing hymns. With noticeably increased security, including a very visible police presence, pilgrims were perhaps apprehensive of disruptions like last year, but in the end, the evening was peaceful, prayerful and hopeful. It was the right start to a very different March for Life.
Father Patrick Briscoe, OP, is editor of Our Sunday Visitor. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickMaryOP.
