Vice President JD Vance will speak at the 20th annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast (NCPB) in Washington, D.C., on Friday, February 28, 2025. The event is set to gather Catholics from across the nation for a day of fellowship, prayer, and reflection on the role of faith in public life.
“I am honored to be able to address the 20th annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast and represent the Trump administration’s support for people of faith across the United States,” Vance said in a statement. His words reflect the administration’s continued commitment to supporting faith communities and advocating for religious values in the public sphere.
Vance, who is returning to the NCPB as vice president, shared his thoughts on the importance of the event, recalling his experience from the previous year. “Last year, I was moved to witness the joyful devotion of over a thousand Catholics praying for the future and success of our country,” Vance said. He expressed gratitude for the powerful role prayer plays in shaping the nation’s direction, noting, “Thanks to their faithful prayers, President Trump’s leadership has restored the hopes and dreams of the American people and our great nation is on the path to peace and prosperity once more.”
Mark Randall, Chairman of the NCPB, also expressed enthusiasm about Vance’s return. “We are thrilled to welcome fellow Catholic JD Vance back, now as vice president, for our 20th annual gathering of fellowship and prayer. His presence is a sign of hope and openness to Catholic values and all the good that they bring to our entire nation,” Randall said.
This year’s keynote speaker is Monsignor James Shea, the president of the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. He will address the gathering of attendees, offering insight and encouragement for Catholics committed to living out their faith in all aspects of life.
Among the distinguished guests, New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith will receive the NCPB’s Christifideles Laici Award. The award is given annually to a layperson who exemplifies service and “good works” to the Church, as outlined by the organization. Created to honor those following St. John Paul II’s call to “spread the Gospel in ways that are new in ardor, methods, and expression,” the award highlights Smith’s dedication to advocating for religious freedom and human dignity, particularly through his work on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to combat religious persecution and human trafficking.
Smith will be the sixth recipient of this prestigious award, which is designed to recognize laypeople whose actions align with the Church’s call for social justice and the defense of human rights.
The events for the NCPB will begin on Thursday evening, with guest speakers addressing the attendees on Friday morning, starting at 7 a.m. ET. For those unable to attend in person, the proceedings will be televised on EWTN starting at 9 a.m. ET, offering a chance to participate virtually in this important event for the Catholic community.
In conclusion, the 20th NCPB promises to be a meaningful gathering, where Catholics from across the country come together in prayer and reflection on the vital role of faith in the future of the nation. As Vice President Vance and other leaders emphasize, prayer and support for people of faith are essential to maintaining the nation’s path toward peace and prosperity.
