Msgr. John G. Woolsey, director of the archdiocesan Family Life/Respect Life Office, will celebrate the opening Mass of a nine-day, pro-life Eucharistic vigil Sunday, Sept. 3, at 8 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 W. 31st St. in Manhattan.

The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for adoration for 24 hours each day (except during Mass) throughout the vigil, which will end Tuesday, Sept. 12, with Mass at 6:30 a.m.

The vigil was organized to pray for the recognition of pro-life principles at the U.N. Fourth World Conference on Women to be held in Beijing, China, Monday to Friday, Sept. 4-15.

Father John Hardon, S.J., author and lecturer, will concelebrate the opening Mass and give three talks: at 10 p.m. Sept. 3, and at 1 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 4-5.

Auxiliary Bishop Ignatius A. Catanello of Brooklyn will celebrate Mass at noon Monday, Sept. 4, and Father Frank A. Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, will celebrate a midnight Mass Monday, Sept. 11.

Other celebrants and speakers for the vigil are being arranged.

Mass will be offered at midnight each night from Sept. 4-12.

The Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be prayed each day at 3 a.m., 9 a.m., 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. 

Priests for Life in the News