The Archdiocese of Agana will show solidarity with Catholics across the nation in peaceful, prayerful opposition to abortion with churches of the archdiocese celebrating Masses at 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021.
Archbishop Michael Byrnes encourages all Catholics on Guam to participate in this official event which for safety reasons, adjusts the way the archdiocese will observe the national March for Life peaceful protest. The archdiocese will celebrate the Masses in place of the local rally.
Archbishop Byrnes will celebrate the 4 p.m. Mass at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatna.
The faithful can attend Mass at the parishes or follow them through live streaming which will occur at many of our churches on Jan. 29.
Universal Intentions for the unborn will be prayed. The churches will toll their bells at 4 p.m. before Mass in memory of the millions of unborn children killed through abortion.
National March for Life organizers have adjusted their annual activities protesting the legalization of abortion through Roe vs. Wade this year because of the global pandemic.
“In light of the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic which may be peaking, and in view of the heightened pressures that law enforcement officers and others are currently facing in and around the Capitol, this year’s March for Life will look different,” March for Life organizers declared in a statement on their official website, https://marchforlife.org/statement-on-2021-march-for-life/.
“The annual rally will take place virtually and we are asking all participants to stay home and to join the March virtually,” officials state.
The health and protection of all Guam Catholics is also a high priority of the Archdiocese of Agana. It will follow the same prudence of the national March for Life group. Gathering for prayers and Masses at individual churches under controlled and restricted conditions allows the Church to more effectively promote the safety of all participants. It also follows established archdiocese and community protocols.
Additional information will be available in the days ahead. Please contact your parish priest for information specific to your church.
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