The national March for Life will take place in Washington, D.C., on January 23, 2026, just one month away. Pilgrims from across the archdiocese are preparing to make the journey once again to participate in one of the most visible and prayerful annual expressions of fidelity to the Gospel of Life.
The march represents a moment when American Catholics and non-Catholics gather to defend the dignity of every human person, especially the unborn and their mothers, through prayer, sacrifice, and public witness.
For the Archdiocese of New York, the pilgrimage carries a special resonance. The Sisters of Life, founded here in 1991 by Cardinal John O’Connor, continue to animate the Church’s pro-life mission. Along with the traditional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, the Sisters of Life take a special fourth vow “to protect and enhance the sacredness of all human life.”
Witnessing to the Gospel of Life
The March for Life began in 1974 as a peaceful, prayerful, one-time event to lobby Congress for a legislative solution to overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. Even after Roe was overturned in the Dobbs decision on June 24, 2022, the March continues because “the number of abortions annually is still well over 900,000 each year, and that number is expected to decrease only by roughly 200,000 each year in a post-Roe America,” according to the March for Life website. The website also states that the goal of the March “is to not only change laws at the state and federal level, but to change the culture to ultimately make abortion unthinkable.”
Sign Up for the Archdiocese’s Day Pilgrimage
The archdiocesan Respect Life Office invites the faithful to join the 2026 bus pilgrimage departing from St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers. The bus pilgrimage will depart at 5 a.m. from St. Joseph’s Seminary, 201 Seminary Avenue, and return between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Pilgrims will travel alongside the Sisters of Life and other members of the archdiocese in a spirit of prayer and solidarity.
Pilgrims will then have the option to join the Rally on the National Mall before the March begins. The day is designed as an act of prayer and witness. Registration is required, and early registration is encouraged. Please visit the Respect Life Office website to view details and reserve a seat.
Parish Pilgrimages Across the Archdiocese
Numerous parishes throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, and Putnam counties will also sponsor their own buses to Washington. Thanks to the March for Life Transportation Grant Program, many parishes received financial support to help offset travel costs, enabling even more families, youth, and parish groups to participate.
Specific departure times and parish details will be posted on The Good Newsroom as plans are finalized.
New York Pilgrim Mass
All New York pilgrims are invited to gather for the New York Pilgrim Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. This Mass brings together the faithful from across the state, united in prayer for the protection of life and for a greater outpouring of God’s mercy upon the nation. Archdiocesan priests wishing to concelebrate should request a Letter of Good Standing as soon as possible.
Additional Events of Prayer and Formation
Pilgrims are encouraged to participate in the deeply spiritual and formational events surrounding the March:
Life Fest
Hosted by the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus, Life Fest will take place on the morning of January 23. The gathering includes a joyful rally, inspiring speakers, music, and Holy Mass. Visit the Life Fest website for tickets and more information.
National Prayer Vigil for Life
On the eve of the march, thousands will gather at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the opening Mass at 5 p.m., celebrated by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo. The Mass is followed by a night of Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Hours led by bishops from across the country. The vigil ends at 8 a.m. the next morning with a closing Mass by Sean Cardinal O’Malley, OFM Cap., Archbishop Emeritus of Boston.
This vigil is one of the most moving moments of the entire March, as the Church keeps watch through the night in prayer for the protection of all human life. The Vigil Program will be televised by EWTN and livestreamed on the basilica’s website so millions can participate remotely.
Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life
Named for the founder of the Sisters of Life, this conference is the largest collegiate pro-life conference in the United States. It takes place on Saturday, January 24, the day following the march, and offers a full program of formation, prayer, and fellowship.
National Pro-Life Summit
Held the same day, the Pro-Life Summit brings together young people and leaders from across the country for training, encouragement, and spiritual formation.