Vigil for Life with guest speaker is among three local Roe v. Wade solemn observance opportunities this month

Ken Ogorek, archdiocesan director of catechesis, leads a precession along North Meridian Street in Indianapolis on Jan. 22, 2016, during last year’s solemn prayerful remembrance of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion. This year’s Mass and procession will take place on Jan. 23. (Criterion file photo by Natalie Hoefer)

Criterion staff report

The archdiocesan Office of Pro Life and Family Life is offering several opportunities to participate in this year’s solemn observance of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion 44 years ago on Jan. 22, 1973. Below is a list of the events.

‘9 Days for Life’ novena is Jan. 21-29

The first opportunity is a novena through the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Their annual “9 Days for Life” novena takes place on Jan. 21–Jan. 29. The novena focuses on prayer for the respect and protection of all human life with daily intentions, brief reflections and more.

It can be downloaded or received via Facebook, e-mail, text message or an app. Learn more or join the novena by logging on to www.9daysforlife.com.

Mass and Prayerful Witness on Jan. 23

Next, since Jan. 22 falls on a Sunday this year, the annual Mass and Prayerful Witness for the legal protection of the unborn will take place on Jan. 23. Mass will be celebrated at noon at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, 1347 N. Meridian St., in Indianapolis.

Following Mass, there will be the opportunity to remain in the cathedral for eucharistic adoration, or to participate in a prayerful procession along Meridian Street. After the procession—around 2:30 p.m.—Benediction will take place in the cathedral.

Parking will be available at the Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Center, 1400 N. Meridian St. For more information, contact Rebecca Niemerg, director of the Office of Pro Life and Family Life, at rniemerg@archindy.org, or call 317-236-1569 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1569.

Vigil for Life is Jan. 25

The final archdiocesan event of the solemn prayerful observance of the Roe v. Wade decision is the archdiocese’s second Vigil for Life on Jan. 25, sponsored by the archdiocesan Secretariat of Pastoral Ministries. It will take place at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral from 6:30-9 p.m. While the event is designed for youths, young adults and families, all are welcome.

The event takes place the week of the national March for Life in solidarity with all those gathering in Washington, D.C. The vigil will include music by Matt Faley; a keynote address by Ennie Hickman of Adore Ministries; a reflection, eucharistic procession, adoration and Benediction led by Father John Hollowell, pastor of Annunciation Parish in Brazil and St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Greencastle; and an opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation from 6:45-8:45 p.m.

The event is free. However, participants are asked to bring donations for Birthline, a ministry that provides material support for pregnant women and mothers of infants in need. Items most in need are diapers (sizes newborn-5), baby wash, diaper wipes and clean, gently used or new clothes, sizes newborn-2T.

Although registration is not required, it is encouraged and is available by logging on to www.vigilforlife.eventbrite.com. Parking will be available at the Catholic Center. †