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2021 National Prayer Vigil for Life
January 28, 2021 - January 29, 2021
The 2021 National Prayer Vigil for Life will take place Thursday, January 28, through Friday, January 29. Please note that, due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are significant changes to the schedule and limitations for in-person participation. However, we invite you to join us virtually via livestream on our website and via broadcast on EWTN.
Thursday, January 28, 2021, 8pm – 11pm
8:00 p.m. National Rosary for Life
8:30 p.m. Opening Mass
Celebrant & Homilist: Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas – Chairman, USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities
10:00 p.m. Holy Hour for Life
Please Note:
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, participation in the 2021 National Rosary for Life, the Opening Mass, and the Holy Hour is VIRTUAL ONLY via livestream on our website and via broadcast on EWTN. The Basilica will be closed to the public for these events. There is no registration, concelebration, or admittance for clergy or religious. There is no registration or admittance for seminarians. The Basilica looks forward to the resumption of its regular schedule and operations for the 2022 National Prayer Vigil for Life. Thank you for your understanding!
Friday, January 29, 2021, 8am – 9am
8:00 a.m. Closing Mass
Celebrant & Homilist: Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore – Chairman-Elect, USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities
Please Note:
Due to COVID-19 restrictions in the District of Columbia, the Basilica is limited to 250 persons inside at any one time. On this account, participation in the Closing Mass will be limited to 250 and will require advanced registration. Those who enter must follow all protocols and procedures. There is no registration, concelebration, or special admittance for clergy or religious. There is no registration or special admittance for seminarians. The Closing Mass will be available virtually via livestream on our website and via broadcast on EWTN. The Basilica looks forward to the resumption of its regular schedule and operations for the 2022 National Prayer Vigil for Life. Thank you for your understanding!
Confession Schedule
On Friday, Jan 29, Confession will be from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, Jan 30, Confession will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Media Coverage
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a very limited number of media credentials will be issued for coverage of the 2021 National Prayer Vigil for Life. Media must submit the Media Credential Request Form no later than January 15, 2021, for consideration. Submission of a request is not a guarantee of credentials. Media will be notified via email on January 20, 2021, as to whether their request has been/has not been granted. Thank you for your understanding!
Special Plenary Indulgence
Pope Francis has granted a plenary indulgence for the faithful who devoutly participate in the 2021 Prayer Vigil for Life from the Basilica either virtually or in person, under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and offer a prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father).