Archdiocese of Bangalore to Host India’s 4th National March for Life

Bangalore, 4 August, 2025 – In a powerful show of unity and advocacy for the sanctity of human life, the Archdiocese of Bangalore will host India’s 4th National March for Life on 9th August at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, led by Family Welfare Centre, CHARIS India in collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).

This year’s March comes amid ongoing national debate over abortion laws and calls for stronger protections for life from conception to natural death. The event continues the Church’s annual response to the 2021 amendment of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, which extended the legal limit for abortions to 24 weeks under specific conditions.

Fr. Naveen Gladson, Director of the Family Welfare Centre, and Fr. Sunny Richard, who leads pro-life activities in the Archdiocese of Bangalore, are spearheading the initiative. “We warmly welcome everyone to join this March and stand together in defence of life,” said Fr Naveen.

“The Catholic Church believes life is sacred from the moment of conception to natural death,” he added. This March is a voice of dissent against anything that undermines that belief.”

The March for Life, first initiated in 2021, has previously been held in Delhi, Pune, and Thrissur. Bangalore was selected this year for its multicultural character and the opportunity for wider public engagement. “We wanted this year’s March to be more meaningful. So, we prepared through a three-tier campaign,” Fr. Naveen explained.

As part of these efforts, organisers conducted outreach programmes across 41 schools and colleges under the Archdiocese, educating students on the value and dignity and sanctity of life. “We taught them: life is a gift, life is precious, and life has a purpose. We also addressed issues like suicide, substance abuse, and self-harm—anything that threatens life,” he noted.

At the parish level, Pro-Life Sunday was observed throughout July. Churches used specially prepared liturgies and homilies to deepen understanding of the Church’s pro-life stance. “We reached out to catechism students and youth groups, speaking to them about life is a gift, life is precious, and life has a purpose and the Church’s position on abortion and the dignity of life,” said Fr Naveen.

On 8 August, a bioethics seminar for priests and religious will be held, addressing issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and IVF. “As teachers of faith, clergy and religious must be well-informed. This helps ensure their teaching is consistent with the Church’s pro-life message,” he added.

The 9 August programme includes:

Life Exhibition at 8:30 am

Holy Eucharist at 9:30 am

Public Gathering at 11:00 am

March for Life at 12 noon

Life Conference at 3:00 pm

Leaders of other faiths have also been invited to participate. “The voice for respect and protection of life is not just a Catholic concern—it is a universal value,” Fr. Naveen affirmed.

Accommodation is available for those travelling from outside Bangalore to attend the March. Participants are encouraged to download the Catholic Connect app and head to the 'Events' section to register and access further details.

The Archdiocese of Bangalore extends an open invitation to all individuals, families, and church communities to join in solidarity for this important cause. Together let us raise our voice for the unborn.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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