Sisters to hold prayer rally on Capitol Hill for immigrants and just economy

On Tuesday, 24 June 2025, Catholic sisters from across the United States will gather on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, for a public witness event titled 'Sisters Speak Out: A Prayer and Public Witness for Immigrants and a Just Economy.' The event is being led by the Justice Conference of Women Religious, with support from over 30 congregations of women religious and Catholic organisations.

The demonstration aims to raise awareness of proposed US federal budget cuts and policies which faith-based groups say would cause harm to immigrant communities and those living in poverty. The sisters will join together in prayer, public witness, and a peaceful procession around the US Capitol. The day will include a public Rosary, a press gathering, and spiritual reflection as a means of drawing attention to immigration justice and compassionate economic policy.

The witness is a response to recent proposals in the United States that would reduce funding to vital social support programmes such as Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), alongside efforts to increase deportations and cut environmental protections. Organisers see these measures as threats to vulnerable communities. By gathering publicly in prayer, Catholic sisters hope to offer a strong moral witness rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching.

The event also reflects long-standing commitments by religious sisters to immigrant ministry and advocacy. Many congregations involved in the demonstration have provided direct services to migrants, asylum seekers, and the poor. The Capitol Hill gathering is one of several actions being taken by Sisters across the country to call for a more just and humane approach to public policy.

UK Schedule - Join in Solidarity

The full programme for the Washington demonstration has been shared so that Catholics in the UK can take part in solidarity. UK Catholics are especially invited to join in prayer on the day using the same Rosary and order of service that will be used in Washington.

Here is the event schedule in both Eastern Daylight Time (Washington, D.C.) and British Summer Time (UK):

Time (EDT - Washington)
Time (BST - UK)
Event
10am EDT
3pm BST
Gathering begins across from the Russell Senate Office Building. Signs and Rosaries are distributed as participants assemble.
10.30am EDT
3.30pm BST
Opening Prayer and Rally. The event begins with prayer, scripture, and remarks from Catholic leaders.
11am EDT
4pm BST
Public Rosary Procession around Capitol Hill. Each decade of the Rosary will focus on a justice-related theme.
12pm EDT
5pm BST
Final Reflection and Outreach. Participants conclude the Rosary and share symbolic messages with lawmakers.
12.30pm EDT
530pm BST
Closing Blessing and Dismissal.

UK readers are encouraged to join in prayer at these corresponding times or at another time during the day.

How to Take Part from the UK

UK Catholics can support Sisters Speak Out by uniting in prayer, either alone or in groups. The organisers have created two main resources:

A Rosary Guide that features reflections on the Sorrowful and Joyful Mysteries. Each decade focuses on areas of suffering and hope in our world, such as the plight of migrants, the struggles of the poor, and the call to compassionate leadership.

An Order of Service which mirrors what will be prayed on Capitol Hill. It includes prayers, readings, hymns, and actions, and allows people anywhere in the world to follow the same prayer format.

Both the Rosary Guide and Order of Service are available to view or download online from the campaign's main page:

Main campaign website with resources: https://sistersspeakout.my.canva.site/

Rosary and Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cgYFFkr5SldO22zYTYdgdOJ2HBHNyRAq8oKvLkqPPEI/edit?tab=t.0

Churches, religious communities, and individuals in the UK are invited to adapt these resources for their local context. Some may choose to light candles, display symbols of solidarity, or gather for group prayer. Others may mark the moment quietly with personal reflection.

Why It Matters

The demonstration comes at a time when faith leaders in the US are deeply concerned about the impacts of federal budget decisions on poor and immigrant communities. The sisters are calling for a response rooted in compassion, justice, and dignity. Their prayerful gathering sends a message that care for the vulnerable is not just a political choice, but a moral responsibility.

Though taking place across the Atlantic, the message and spirit of the Sisters Speak Out event is global. UK Catholics are warmly encouraged to take this opportunity to join in prayer and to stand alongside those advocating for justice and peace.