Archdiocese Local

Archbishop gets pressed into service at the March for Life

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann joins tens of thousands of other marchers at the March for Life on Jan. 24. Marching with the archbishop are, from left, Kathryn White, archdiocesan foster and pro-life ministries coordinator; Debra Niesen, archdiocesan pro-life office consultant; and Angie Bittner, rural youth outreach coordinator. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A day before he was set to travel to the nation’s capital for the annual March for Life, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann received a surprising request.

Would he fill in for Bishop Daniel Thomas, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who was no longer able to make the trip?

It would mean he would become the main celebrant and homilist at the Pro-Life Leadership Mass at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America on Jan. 23.

That evening, he would take the same role at the opening Mass for the National Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Following that Mass, he would lead those gathered in eucharistic adoration. And finally, the archbishop would offer a prayer on stage before the March for Life on Jan. 24.

“I was surprised,” said Archbishop Naumann on being chosen, “but always grateful to be able to serve and to be able to celebrate the Mass at the basilica, so it’s a great honor.”

“It’s great because I didn’t have to go through all the time of preparation that I normally would!” he added with a laugh.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was called on to be main celebrant and homilist at the Pro-Life Leadership Mass at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America on Jan. 23 when Bishop Daniel Thomas, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was unable to attend because of a death in the family. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Bishop Thomas was unable to make it to Washington because his sister-in-law, the wife of his late brother, passed away unexpectedly.

“It’s really important that he’s with his family,” said Archbishop Naumann, “so I’m glad to make that possible.”

How did the archbishop prepare for such a prominent role on such short notice?

“Come, Holy Spirit!” he said. “I’ve done it before. I kind of know what the drill is, so that’s good.

“For every homily, you’re just asking the Lord, ‘Help me to say what you want me to say, what your words are for this group.’”

About 5,500 people attended the National Prayer Vigil for Life Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, the evening before the annual March for Life. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Archbishop Naumann has served on the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for seven terms and was the chairman from 2018-21.

He recalled the opening Mass in January 2020, when the basilica was packed.

“But when I came back the next year in 2021, it was a very small group because of COVID,” he said.

“It was kind of eerie to be in that big basilica. I think they only let in 200 or so people,” he continued. “But at the same time, because of EWTN and Catholic television, we were able to preach a message to a huge audience of people that were joining through television.”

Archbishop Naumann also led the National Holy Hour for Life after last year’s opening Mass.

But this year’s situation was unique, since he submitted his resignation to Pope Francis last June, as all bishops are required to do when they turn 75, and he awaits his successor.

Archbishop Naumann processes around the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., Jan. 23 the evening before the annual March for Life. About 5,500 people attended the National Prayer Vigil for Life Mass. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

The march also came shortly after President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance took office on Jan. 20.

Archbishop Naumann shared a message for the new administration.

“I hope that [President Trump] will become very generous in his policy for legal immigration and open up opportunities for that and for worker permits so that we do know who’s in our country,” he said.

“What’s renewed our country throughout its history are immigrants,” he continued. “They come with a new fervor. We get used to the liberties that we enjoy.”

The archbishop expressed hope for the administration’s efforts to combat human trafficking and encouraged President Trump to uphold the dignity of human life.

“I hope that he and the vice president will do all that they can to protect the lives of the unborn,” he said.

Debra Niesen, archdiocesan pro-life office consultant, Archbishop Naumann and Father Keith Chadwick, chaplain of St. James Academy in Lenexa, listen to the speakers at the annual March for Life rally in Washington Jan. 24 before the actual march began. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

As for his own time in Washington, Archbishop Naumann was eager to see the many young Catholics who flock to the march each year, beginning with the opening Mass.

“It’s encouraging to see these young people,” said the archbishop. “They camp out here all day just to be able to have seats in the basilica.

“So, it’s beautiful to see how important the Eucharist is to them and this particular Mass is to them.

“And as a bishop, that’s always very gratifying.”

Additional reporting by Jay Soldner.

To view more photos from the March for Life, click here.

About the author

Moira Cullings

Moira attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park and Benedictine College in Atchison. She majored in marketing and minored in psychology while playing for the women’s soccer team. Moira joined The Leaven staff as a feature writer and social media editor in 2015. After a move to Denver, she resumed her full-time position at The Leaven and continues to write and manage its website and social media channels. Her favorite assignment was traveling to the Holy Land to photograph a group pilgrimage.

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