Bangalore: India’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of life will echo through the streets of Bangalore on August 9, 2025, as the 4th National March for Life gathers thousands in a unified, prayerful stand for the dignity of every human life. Hosted by the Archdiocese of Bangalore and led by Archbishop Peter Machado, this national event is poised to become one of the largest public declarations of faith and pro-life advocacy the country has ever seen.
This year’s March takes on deep historical significance, marking 54 years since the enactment of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (1971) a law that legalized abortion in India. For pro-life advocates across the nation, August 9 is not only a day of remembrance for the millions of unborn lives lost but also a symbolic moment of renewed commitment to protecting life at all stages.
The March is being coordinated by CHARIS India, the national service body for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, under the spiritual guidance of Archbishop Francis Kalist. With a growing network of pro-life ministries, youth groups, and lay movements, the Indian Church’s pro-life movement has evolved into a force of conscience and compassion. The 3rd National March for Life, held in Trichur, witnessed the participation of over 14,000 faithful, and the numbers for this year are expected to be significantly higher, reflecting an increased awareness and mobilization across dioceses.
In an impassioned appeal, Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), urged bishops, clergy, and faithful from all dioceses to make the March a priority. “The National March for Life is more than an event—it is a moral testimony,” he stated. “It is our collective voice for those who cannot speak, and our faithful witness to the Gospel of Life in today’s society.”
The event will commence with a solemn Holy Mass, followed by a peaceful procession through the heart of Bangalore. The March will feature prayers, hymns, and pro-life messages carried on banners and placards. Testimonies from families who chose life amid adversity, medical professionals defending ethical medicine, and post-abortive women sharing their journey of healing will add a deeply personal dimension to the day’s proceedings.
The March is intended not merely as a protest but as a spiritual witness. Organizers stress that the movement does not condemn but offers alternatives advocating for compassion over judgment, support over silence, and hope over despair. The faithful will be joined by lay leaders, seminarians, religious sisters, Catholic youth, and representatives from interfaith and civil society groups who share a commitment to life-affirming values.
A core theme of this year’s March is “Be a Voice for the Voiceless”, aligning with Pope Francis’ call for the Church to be a “field hospital,” especially for the most vulnerable. Participants are encouraged to engage not only through presence but also by bringing tangible support whether through maternal care programs, crisis pregnancy networks, or long-term accompaniment of families in need.
Beyond the visible event, the March also serves as a catalyst for education and formation. Dioceses across India are organizing preparatory activities such as catechism sessions, rosary chains, pro-life workshops in schools, and intercessory prayer vigils in the days leading up to August 9. Catholic media outlets are mobilizing resources to share stories of life, hope, and courage to inspire deeper reflection and engagement.
The 4th National March for Life reminds the nation of an urgent truth: progress cannot come at the cost of the powerless. In a culture where convenience often trumps conscience, and where silence often covers tragedy, this March becomes a prophetic cry echoing Christ’s call to care for “the least of these.”
As the day draws near, the Archdiocese of Bangalore and CHARIS India have extended an open invitation to all men and women of goodwill, regardless of faith or background, to walk together in defense of the fundamental right to life. The streets will become a sanctuary of witness, prayer, and unity a space where the voiceless will be remembered, the grieving will be consoled, and the future will be reclaimed with hope.
In the words of Archbishop Peter Machado: “This is not merely a march it is a movement of mercy. It is the Church’s heartbeat for a civilization of love.”
Source: CBCI Website