Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, and others from the Diocese of Peoria will join tens of thousands of pro-lifers from all over the United States in the nation’s capital for events marking the Jan. 22 anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion.

The same day the high court ruled on the Roe case, it also handed down the companion decision Doe v. Bolton. Together, Roe and Doe defined abortion as a constitutional right and overturned most state laws banning the procedure.

This year’s March for Life in Washington will be Jan. 24. The theme is: “Thou shalt protect the equal right to life of each innocent born and pre-born human in existence at fertilization — no exception, no compromise.”

Catholic Post assistant editor Jennifer Willems will travel with a diocesan bus contingent and her photos and story will appear in the next issue of The Catholic Post.

Meanwhile, pro-life observances in the Diocese of Peoria began Thursday, Jan. 20, with the Walk for Life through downtown Peoria followed by the Sanctity of Life Rally in Sacred Heart Church. The Family Resources Center hosted open houses throughout this week.

Other activities throughout the diocese in the coming days include the following:

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL JAN. 22 AT WOMEN’S CHOICE CENTER

BETTENDORF, Iowa — The rosary will be recited in the upper room of the Women’s Choice Center, 2711 Happy Joe Drive, at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22, prior to a program and candlelight vigil leading to the nearby abortion clinic.
The program begins at 7 p.m. inside Heritage Church, located behind the Women’s Choice Center. At 7:45 p.m., participants will process to the abortion clinic for silent prayer outside the facility. Refreshments will be served inside the Women’s Choice Center at 8:15 p.m.
People of all faiths are invited to the vigil activities..

ST. PATRICK’S, URBANA, HOSTS INTERFAITH VIGIL ON JAN. 22

URBANA — St. Patrick’s Parish will host an interfaith community memorial vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22, to honor the millions of unborn persons who have lost their lives as a consequence of abortion.

“Life and Love: Unconditional Gifts” will be the theme of the service, which begins at the church, 708 W. Main St. Speakers will be Pastor Shannon Caughey of the Twin City Bible Church, Urbana, and Sally J. Williams, director of Urban Life Matters, a pro-life ministry that serves urban communities throughout Indiana.

The service will also include scripture readings, community prayer and meditative speeches. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Area churches host the annual vigil, to which the public is invited.

31st ANNUAL PRO-LIFE BREAKFAST SET IN ROCK ISLAND ON SUNDAY

ROCK ISLAND — The Sir Knight Larry Quane 31st Annual Pro-Life Breakfast will be served from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 23, at Farrell Hall of St. Pius X Parish, 2301 24th St.

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Allouez Council 658, the breakfast supports area pro-life organizations including Quad City Right to Life.

Tickets will be sold at the door at prices of $5 per adult, $3 per child 12 and under, or $18 per family (two adults and children under 16). The menu includes juice, pancakes, sausages, applesauce and beverage. This year’s event will feature sit-down service.

Interdenominational service planned in Galesburg Jan. 30

GALESBURG — Vicki Tyler, the executive director of the Women’s Choice Center of the Quad Cities, and her husband Todd will be gust speakers at an interdenominational prayer service at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1501 Webster.

Sponsored by Knox County Right to Life, the event will feature prayers to end abortion locally and throughout the U.S., as well as for unborn children and their mothers.

Vicki Tyler will discuss the work of the Women’s Choice Center and share testimonials of some of the women who have chosen life for their children because of the center’s support.

Refreshments and fellowship will follow the prayer service.