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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.
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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.’”
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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.
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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.
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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.