Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia and Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the annual Mass for Life. This Mass marks the 29th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.

Sunday, January 20, 2002
2:00 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Young people will be key participants in the Mass for Life. Area college students have volunteered to assist in preparations and will participate in the Mass. Catholic high school students will carry banners and flags in the opening procession. Archdiocesan elementary school students who have participated in the spiritual adoption program will carry flowers to the altar in the opening procession. In the spiritual adoption program, the students "adopt' an unborn child and pray for the child to be born. The Archdiocesan Boy Choir will provide the music for the Mass for Life.

The Knights of Columbus, the Knights of Peter Claver and the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies' Auxiliary will assist with hospitality and take part in the opening procession. All are invited to attend the Mass for Life.

The Mass will be interpreted into American Sign Language and Assistive Listening Devices will be made available. The Cathedral is accessible to persons who use wheelchairs and staff will be on hand to assist any persons with special needs.

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Editor's Note: On Tuesday, January 22, 2002, Cardinal Bevilacqua will lead approximately five thousand people from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. The Archdiocesan contingent will meet on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 15th Street in Washington at noon.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Broadcast and Media Specialist
215-587-3747