Vigil for Life, Indiana March for Life set for Jan. 21-22 in Indianapolis

Students of Lumen Christi Catholic School in Indianapolis carry a banner as they process up Meridian Street leading the second annual Indiana March for Life in Indianapolis on Jan. 22, 2019. (File photo by Natalie Hoefer)

Criterion staff report

The annual Vigil for Life and Indiana March for Life will take place on Jan. 21

and 22 in Indianapolis. The events are held in solemn observance of the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion in the United States. Both events draw attention to the inherent dignity and respect for the lives of all unborn children.

The Vigil for Life will take place from 7-9 p.m. on Jan. 21 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 126 W. Georgia St., in Indianapolis.

This year’s evening of praise, worship and reflections will feature Christian singer and songwriter Sarah Kroger.

There will be post-abortive healing testimonies from local Project Rachel Ministry volunteers as well.

The vigil will also include eucharistic adoration, a eucharistic procession and the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation.

The event, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, the Diocese of Lafayette and Right to Life of Indianapolis, is free, although financial donations will be accepted and split between the archdiocesan Office of Human Life and Dignity and the Lafayette Diocese’s Office for Family Life.

Parking will be available at two adjacent garages—Plaza Park Garage on Capitol Avenue, or the World Wonders Garage (mall parking) on Illinois Street.

Registration is not required, although for planning purposes it is requested. To register, go to bit.ly/indymarch.

The third annual Indiana March for Life will take place the next day, on Jan. 22.

Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Archbishop Charles C. Thompson of Indianapolis is scheduled to be the principal celebrant, with Lafayette Bishop Timothy L. Doherty concelebrating. At the same time, a memorial for the unborn, sponsored by Right to Life of Indianapolis, will take place in the 500 Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., across from St. John Church.

After the liturgy, the annual March for Life will begin on Georgia Street between the church and convention center. It will proceed from there to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument—the downtown Circle—then on to the Indiana Statehouse at 200 W. Washington St.

A rally with speakers will take place on the south steps of the Statehouse at 12:45 p.m.

All are invited to show their support for the dignity of the unborn by taking part in both the vigil and the march.
 

(For more information on the events, go to www.archindy.org/humanlifeanddignity, or call the Office of Human Life and Dignity at 800-382-9836, ext. 1521, or 317-236-1521. For groups arriving in buses, contact Brie Anne Varick at 317-236-1543 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1543, or email beichhorn@archindy.org.) †