WATCH March for Life Morning Mass with Cardinal O'Malley and Over 5,000 Thousand of Pro-Lifers “Our task is to build a society that takes care of everybody"

March for Life Mass on January 23, 2026. From the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Friday, January 23rd at 8:00 a.m. ET Morning Mass of the 2026 National Prayer Vigil for Life. Pilgrims from around the world traveled to the shrine, participate virtually and unite in prayer with the pilgrims in Washington DC on the day of the annual March for Life.
SEE ALSO Full Coverage of the March for Life: https://www.catholicnewsworld.com/search/label/March%20for%20Life
 His Eminence Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop Emeritus of Boston were the principal celebrant and homilist. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C., is a Catholic church dedicated to the Blessed Mother, patroness of the U.S.A. It is a place of worship, pilgrimage, evangelization, and reconciliation. Mary’s Shrine invites people from across the country and beyond to share in Christ’s ever-living presence. The readings for the Mass were: First Reading: I John 4:19-5:4 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72 Gospel: Matthew 2:13-18 - Homily of Cardinal O'Malley below the video.

Addressing the crowd with a powerful homily, Cardinal O’Malley expressed his gratitude to those gathered for the 2026 March for Life. “I know that many of you are tired and have made many sacrifices to be here,” he said. “I assure you, you could not be doing anything more important than being here today. And your presence is not by accident. The Lord in his providence has brought all of us here today.”

The Mass served as a spiritual foundation for the event, offering prayers for the pro-life movement and reinforcing the participants' commitment to the cause.

A Moral Crisis and a Joyful Pilgrimage

Reflecting on his decades of advocacy, O’Malley described the urgency of the issue. “Abortion is the greatest moral crisis faced by our country and by our world. It’s a matter of life and death in a very grand scale," he said. “It’s been a joy and a privilege for me to be at every March for Life here in Washington for the past 53 years.”

He emphasized that the gathering at Mary’s shrine was more than a protest; it was a spiritual journey. “It’s such a joy to be with you here today in this March for Life. This is a pilgrimage for life, and it begins with prayer, here in Mary’s shrine. I thank God for all of you,” he said.

Embracing Life as a Gift

The 2026 theme, “Life Is a Gift,” served as the focal point of the Cardinal's address. “What a powerful theme,” O’Malley said. “Sadly, life is not always seen as a gift. For some, it seems a burden or a curse.”

He pointed to shifting societal trends, specifically citing a poll indicating that for the first time in U.S. history, most Americans report they do not want to have children—a figure he called “an alarming statistic.”

“Life is a gift, a gift given by a loving God,” he said. “Life is beautiful, especially when it is received with gratitude and love.”

He urged the faithful to “love as God loves,” noting, “We must love first, forgive first, give first. That’s why we’re here in this Mass for life.” He continued, “We’re here because life is a gift. God has given us this precious gift. We must be grateful and express our gratitude by proclaiming the gospel of life.”

The Future of the Movement

O’Malley noted that while critics once predicted the movement would fade away, it has instead found new energy. “Our mission is not a political crusade. It’s a response to God’s command to love and to care for each other. And God bless us, the crowd is getting younger and younger. You are beautiful,” he said.

He insisted that the path to ending abortion is paved with compassion rather than condemnation. Our task is “not to judge others but to bring healing,” O’Malley said, suggesting that advocates should be “gentle” in the manner of Jesus with “the Samaritan woman, the poor, the tax collector, the adulterous woman, the good thief.”

Building a Civilization of Love

The Cardinal argued that broader social issues are deeply intertwined with the struggle for life. “Our task is to build a society that takes care of everybody, where every person counts, where every life is important. Political polarization, racism, economic injustice will only continue to fuel abortion in a post-Roe v. Wade world,” O’Malley said.

Despite a world “wracked by divisions and violence,” O’Malley called on the audience to be “messengers of unity and of peace.” He urged: “Together, we can protect and nurture that gift of life. We must look for opportunities to be apostles of life, building a civilization of love and ethic of care.”

He concluded with a call for radical solidarity: “The antidote to abortion is love. Love manifests in community, compassion, and solidarity. Life is a gift. Every person is a gift. Every person counts. All are important. Our mission is to work so that no child be left behind. Every baby will be welcomed, loved, cared for, nurtured, and protected.”

“Thank God for the gift of life. Thank God for love. Thank God for you,” O’Malley concluded.

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