WASHINGTON — Before thousands of faithful gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the opening Mass for the National Prayer Vigil for Life, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, offered a reminder that much work remains to be done in advocating against abortion and to serve families in need. 

“God’s work is not finished. Our story is not over. Dobbs was a great victory, and for that we must rejoice, but a new chapter is unfolding in our pro-life work,” Bishop Burbidge, the U.S. bishops’ conference Pro-Life Committee Chair, said in his homily. 

“We must never negotiate the truth, but speak it in love, bring it to the darkest places, and continue to serve mothers, fathers, and families in need,” Bishop Burbidge continued. “We must find our bearings and press forward in hope.” 

Held annually, the National Prayer Vigil for Life starts on the eve of the March for Life, where Catholics come together to pray for an end to abortion. The opening Mass is traditionally celebrated by the USCCB pro-life chair, with many other clergy in attendance. 

This year, there were more than 20 American bishops in attendance, including Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington, Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston, and Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States. 

At the start of the Mass, Cardinal Pierre shared with the faithful a message from Pope Francis, assuring “his prayers to the many thousands of people who gather for the March for Life.” 

A basilica official estimated around 5,000 worshippers attended the vigil Mass. 

Bishop Burbidge began his homily letting everyone in attendance know that Dobbs — the 2022 Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade — “is a tremendous victory, but not a decisive one.” 

“The lives of the unborn are still in danger — in some places, more so than ever,” Bishop Burbidge said. “The lives of innocent children are being taken. Mothers are still being harmed. Couples, children, and families are still in need of resources, support, and love.” 

Bishop Burbidge noted that there have been “difficult losses” for the pro-life cause since the Dobbs decision, which allowed individual states to determine their own abortion laws. 

Since the decision, a number of states have taken steps to ban abortion. However, just as many states have taken steps to expand abortion access, and in some cases the right to get an abortion has been codified into states’ constitutions. 

Bishop Burbidge highlighted that Catholic politicians — including President Joe Biden — “tragically” continue to endorse abortion and work to expand access. He also denounced the fact that “opponents” of the pro-life movement are supported by the media, and receive significant funding to spread “falsehoods.”

In response, Bishop Burbidge said Catholics need to “communicate the truth in love and without compromise,” especially in predominantly pro-abortion states. 

“Like Jesus, it is not enough to reserve our message for those who will readily receive it, and to pursue victories only in those places where we are likely to win,” Bishop Burbidge said.

“We must persist in those places where our message is rejected,” he added. “We must bring light to the darkest corners.”

Toward the end of Bishop Burbidge’s homily, he reminded the faithful that the needs of mothers and babies are dynamic, and the commitment to ensure they have a home, an income, food, clothing, and provisions, must continue. 

“We must help mothers and fathers through the challenges of pregnancy and welcoming in a new life,” Bishop Burbidge said.