2025 Pilgrimage for Life

On January 23rd, 2025 seventy-five pilgrims made their way to our nation’s capital for the Order of Malta, American Association’s Annual Pilgrimage for Life. This year’s sold out pilgrimage included Knights, Dames, Chaplains, Affiliates, Year of Formation Candidates, and friends and family from many of the American Association’s Areas.

Our Pilgrimage for Life is held at the same time as the Annual National March for Life every year. The Pilgrimage for Life is a peaceful, prayerful event that proclaims the dignity of every person and the right to life from conception to natural death. It is also the largest human rights demonstration in the world.

As previously and perfectly stated by Andy Smith KM, Michigan Area Chair, “The Order of Malta is not a political organization, and our pilgrimage is not a political event. We are coached by our leaders not to engage politically with journalists or activists. Rather, we remember that we are there as pilgrims to pray, to remember those tragically affected by abortion, to defend the faith and to serve our lords, the poor and the sick through our prayers, thoughts, and actions. As such, the activities before the March, in which we are in fellowship with Knights and Dames from all over the country, we prayerfully center ourselves with our Lord in order to spiritually advocate for the mothers and babies who are at the forefront of this battle for Life”.

On Thursday morning, we began the first day of the pilgrimage in the Chapel at the Catholic Information Center, as has been the tradition every year, with a beautiful reflection from the Sisters of Life. Sister Cecelia Rose, SV sang for us and gave a moving and very thorough talk using the acronym REST to prepare us for our Pilgrimage.     

• Remain in His loving gaze
• Embrace the Cross
• Strive for Holiness
• Trust and Be Thankful                                                                                                             

We then shared lunch with the Sisters of Life at the University Club, DC.

Next, we set off for the Vigil Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. As we arrived very early to secure seats, Rev. Philip-Michael Tangorra, ChD, graciously gave an excellent tour of the Basilica for the Pilgrims. Once again, the Order of Malta had the privilege and the honor of assisting and escorting the disabled during this Mass.

It is quite a sight to see the largest church in America filled to the brim with thousands of beautiful people, young and old, in attendance for Mass and to receive the Eucharist. The beauty of the church and the solemnity of the celebration with hundreds of priests and bishops is very powerful. After Mass, we all gathered for dinner and fellowship. It was a very special opportunity to connect with old friends and meet fellow members from different Areas throughout our Association.

The next morning began with our Order of Malta Mass for Life at St. Patrick’s Church DC. We were honored to have Most Rev. Kevin Sweeney, ChC, Bishop of the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey, as the celebrant along with seven other of our Chaplains and Priests. G. Bjorn Delacruz, KM from the New Jersey Area served as our Cantor. Bishop Sweeney gave a beautiful homily and focused upon the sanctity of life. He remined us that as Catholics, we have an obligation to protect and defend the pre-born.

Mass was followed by lunch at the Army navy Club before setting off to the March for Life. As we reached Constitution Avenue, the atmosphere was very exciting. It was especially celebratory because for the first time, a sitting Vice President addressed the pre-march rally. We then stepped off along with thousands of faithful people of all ages from all over the country to proclaim our love for the pre-born.  

It is remarkable to witness so many high school and college students step out in faith. The joyful throng moved in unison, some praying, singing or playing their instruments until we reached the Supreme Court, the conclusion of the route, where we paused to pray and sing to honor Jesus and Our Lady.

We then continued to the Capitol Hill Club to join in celebration and fellowship along with the Sisters of Life. Once again, the weather cooperated and we were blessed with a beautiful January day in Washington DC.  

The Pilgrimage for Life is an amazing event and a unique occasion to peacefully and prayerfully witness and defend the Catholic faith in the public square. It is an opportunity to stand up for the unborn, proclaim the dignity and sanctity of life, promote a culture of life and pray for the day when abortion will be unthinkable.