Once a month, Catholics gather at the Church of St. Rita of Cascia in Mott Haven for bilingual Mass and prayer, then walk a rosary procession along East 149th Street as part of the Archdiocese of New York's Witness for Life program. It's a prayer-centered public witness in English and Spanish rather than a loud demonstration. If you're a Bronx Catholic who wants to join the archdiocese's Respect Life ministry, this is the gathering.
What to expect
The morning starts inside St. Rita of Cascia with bilingual Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Participants then walk a short, police-permitted loop of neighborhood streets while praying the rosary, passing Planned Parenthood and Lincoln Hospital on East 149th Street before returning to the church.
Good to know
- Organized by the Archdiocese of New York's Respect Life office; prayers are in English and Spanish
- The church is at 448 College Avenue; the 2/5 at 3rd Ave–149th St and the 2/4/5 at 149th St–Grand Concourse are both walkable
- Expect street closures around College Avenue, Courtlandt Avenue and East 149th Street during the procession
- The procession is on foot; wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather
- The archdiocese publishes 'Tips for Prayerful Witness' guidelines for participants
- Arrive before the start so you're seated for Mass
Going? Keep it.
The whole weekend, in one email.
Friday at 5pm, one email. Unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
How often does Bronx Witness for Life happen?
Monthly. The archdiocese holds the Bronx Witness on the Saturday following the third Friday of the month at St. Rita of Cascia, with occasional skipped months announced on its website.
Is it in English or Spanish?
Both. The Mass at St. Rita of Cascia is bilingual.
Who organizes it?
The Archdiocese of New York, through its Respect Life ministry, which also runs Witness for Life gatherings in Manhattan and Brooklyn.