Archdiocese of Washington

2012 YOUTH RALLY AND MASS FOR LIFE

Special thanks to everyone who joined us in praying for life at the annual Youth Rally and Mass for Life, hosted by the Archdiocese of Washington on Monday, January 23, 2012. An audience of thousands of young Catholics from around the country enjoyed musical performances by Jacob and Matthew Band and Jackie Francois at the Verizon Center. Thousands also enjoyed the music of Ike Ndolo and Joia Farmer at the DC Armory.

Mass at the Verizon Center was celebrated by His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl with bishops and priests from around the nation. The homily, by Monsignor Charles Pope, pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian Parish in Washington, DC, reminded us all that we are the work of God, we belong to God and all human life is sacred.

Mass at DC Armory was celebrated by His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, also with bishops and priests from around the nation. The homily, by Fr. Greg Shaffer – chaplain at George Washington University in Washington, DC told the young people gathered that they should not be afraid to be Catholic, and have the courage to be chaste and pro-life.

Audio: Listen to the homily by Fr. Greg Shaffer
Audio: Listen to the homliy by Msgr. Charles Pope

View a message from Pope Benedict XVI to the young people attending the 2012 Rally and Mass for Life:

Download Message (.pdf)