Washington D.C., Jan 7, 2018 / 16:01 pm
Catholics participating in the 45th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., Jan. 19 will be able to receive a plenary indulgence for doing so, the local Church has announced.
"In virtue of the authority granted by our Holy Father, Pope Francis… a plenary indulgence can be obtained under the usual conditions…by the Christian faithful who are truly penitential and compelled by charity, if they take part in the sacred celebrations, along with the great assembly of people, throughout the whole course of the annual event that is called 'March for Life,'" announced a Dec. 20 letter from the Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Arlington.
The document was signed by Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington and Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, who together encouraged their brother bishops with the hope "that you will share this information with those entrusted to your pastoral care."
Deirdre McQuade, assistant director for pro-life communications at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the indulgence may be obtained "by participating in the National Prayer Vigil for Life or the other sacred celebrations surrounding the March for Life."