Jacksonville, Fla. – Several diocesan-sponsored pro-life events are scheduled throughout January, which coincides with the 41st anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing abortion, begins with the icon of “Our Lady of Czestochowa” or the “Black Madonna.” Revered for more than 800 years, this icon has traveled the world over making stops in Europe, Russia and now the U.S., is known for its protection of life.
On Tuesday, Jan. 14, there will be a welcoming ceremony at 3:30 p.m. at St. Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center in Gainesville. A rosary for life will be prayed at 4:30 p.m., and Mass will begin at 5:30 p.m.
On Friday, Jan. 17, the pro-life community will gather at 8 a.m. for prayer in front of A Woman’s Choice of Jacksonville, 4131 University Blvd. S. Bishop Felipe J. Estévez will lead the prayer. At 4 p.m., the icon travels to St. Augustine for a Holy Hour of Hope and Healing at Prince of Peace Votive Church (in conjunction with the March for Life St. Augustine).
On Saturday, Jan. 18, at 9 a.m. Bishop Estévez will celebrate Mass at the Prince of Peace Votive Church, 101 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. Later, the icon travels back to Jacksonville’s Holy Family Catholic Church, 9800 Baymeadows Road, for a welcoming ceremony and Mass at 5:30 p.m., followed by nocturnal adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and veneration of the icon from 6:30 p.m. to Sunday, 7:30 a.m. A farewell ceremony to Our Lady will follow on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 11:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Family.
Other Pro-Life events include:
Friday, Jan. 17
8th Annual March for Life St. Augustine
Friday, 4 p.m. – Holy Hour for Hope and Healing, Prince of Peace Votive Church. If you’re suffering the loss of a loved one for any reason, come feel the healing love and mercy of Our Lord in prayer and the Eucharist led by Fathers Jhon Guarnizo and Sal Di Fazio.
6 p.m. – Illuminated Living Rosary
7 p.m. – “Break the Silence” workshop at Mission Nombre de Dios
Saturday, Jan. 18
9 a.m. – Mass with Bishop Felipe Estévez, Prince of Peace Votive Church, St. Augustine, followed by music, speakers and a peaceful march to the Plaza de Constitution for keynote address by Dr. Theresa Burke, founder of Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries. For details, visit: www.marchforlifestaugustine.com.
Wednesday, Jan. 22:
Annual Stand for Life
10:30 a.m. – Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Jacksonville
Following Mass there will be a procession to the Federal Court House, 300 N. Hogan Street where there will be a Stand for Life from noon to 1 p.m. For more information, call (904) 998-8577 or (904) 318-3517.