Atlanta archdiocese to hold annual mass for the “unborn”

Elizabeth Antillon, of Conyers, Ga., holds a cross while demonstrating during the March For Life anti-abortion rally outside the State Capitolin this 2014 file photo. Hundreds of anti-abortion demonstrators gathered outside the Statehouse for the annual rally to protest the Supreme Court's landmark 1973 decision that declared a constitutional right to abortion.

Credit: (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Credit: (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Elizabeth Antillon, of Conyers, Ga., holds a cross while demonstrating during the March For Life anti-abortion rally outside the State Capitolin this 2014 file photo. Hundreds of anti-abortion demonstrators gathered outside the Statehouse for the annual rally to protest the Supreme Court's landmark 1973 decision that declared a constitutional right to abortion.

The Archdiocese of Atlanta will hold its annual “Mass for the Unborn” at 10 a.m. Monday at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta.

This is the 30th year for the mass, which will be led by Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory. Other priests from the archdiocese will jointly officiate.

The mass is held on or near the Jan. 22 anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe vs. Wade.

The landmark 1973 decision established that a woman’s right to have an abortion was protected by the privacy rights guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.

The Roman Catholic Church opposes abortion.

During the mass, there are prayers for the unborn, followed by a demonstration for “the respect for life.”

Among those attending will be students from the 18 Catholic schools within the archdiocese, but attendance is not mandatory.

The day will also include a “Stand for Life” event following the mass. Anti-abortion supporters are expected to form a line along part of Peachtree Road.

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