Posted July 20, 2021

Some 200 braved a summer heat wave to gather for a July 17 Mass and “Freedom for the Pre-Born” rally sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.

(Read our feature story on the July 17 Mass and rally.)

Following the liturgy at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, participants walked through downtown Philadelphia to an abortion clinic.

Noting women in crisis pregnancies often feel “in bondage” to difficult financial situations and relationships, several speakers called for practical aid to pregnant women considering abortion, which claims the lives of some 73.3 million children globally each year.

(All photos by Gina Christian.)

  • Five-month-old Jude Jozefowski rests on the shoulder of his mother Molly during a July 17 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. The liturgy preceded a prayer walk and rally sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia at a downtown abortion clinic. (Gina Christian)

  • A woman prays during a July 17 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul that preceded a march, rally and prayer vigil sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.

  • Mary Jozefowski rests in the arms of her mother Molly during a July 17 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul that preceded a rally sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.

  • Father Dennis Gill distributes holy Communion to Andrew Santoleri during a July 17 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. Following the liturgy, participants walked to a downtown Philadelphia abortion clinic for a prayer vigil sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.

  • A Sister of Life sings a hymn during a July 17 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, which preceded a prayer vigil at a downtown Philadelphia abortion clinic.

  • Participants walk along Locust Street in Philadelphia during a July 17 rally and prayer vigil sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.

  • Andrew Santoleri (holding sign) joined his father and pro-life advocate Kim Savage (left) for a July 17 rally at a downtown abortion clinic. The event was sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.

  • Lianna Hollendonner of Students for Life speaks during a July 17 rally sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.

  • Richara Krajewski of St. Raymond of Penafort Parish in Philadelphia addresses attendees at a July 17 rally sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia. Also speaking at the rally was fellow union board member Marlene Downing (right) of HOPE Pregnancy Center.

  • Chris Lane of St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Wayne carried a large image of Our Lady of Guadalupe during a July 17 rally sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.

  • Andrew Santoleri of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Glen Mills speaks with fellow attendees at a July 17 rally and prayer vigil sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia in downtown Philadelphia.

  • Dr. Monique Ruberu speaks to participants at a July 17 rally sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.

  • Participants stand before a downtown Philadelphia Planned Parenthood clinic during a July 17 rally and prayer vigil sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia. (Gina Christian)