The nation’s Catholic bishops announced a new campaign calling on Catholics to pray for nine days seeking an end to abortion. The pro-life prayer campaign leads up to the tragic 41st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that allowed virtually unlimited abortions in the United States.
“On January 22, 2014 our nation will remember the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade,” the bishops say in announcing the campaign. “Since that tragic decision, more than 55 million children’s lives have been lost to abortion, and the lives of millions of their parents have been shattered.”
“In prayerful recognition, “Nine Days of Prayer, Penance and Pilgrimage” will take place January 18-26, 2014,” they said. “A simple novena is available with different intercessions, reflections and suggested acts of reparation each day for the healing and conversion of our nation and people impacted by the culture of death.”
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The following is the first day day of the nine days of prayer:
Day One: Saturday, January 18, 2014
Printable versions of Day One: (color) (black and white)
Intercession: For the mother who awakens each morning with the memory of abortion fresh in her mind: that the Lord may still the terror in her heart and lead her gently to the well-spring of his love and mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. May she, and all who’ve been involved in an abortion decision, find healing and hope through Project Rachel Ministry.
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
Reflection: Today’s Gospel reading from Mark recounts Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners. When the Pharisees question Jesus about this, he responds, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” In a society where millions of people have fallen prey to the false promises of the culture of death, let us witness to the mercy of Jesus and invite all who’ve been harmed to experience his abundant love and healing.
Acts of Reparation (choose one):
- Take time to write a handwritten note to someone who is lonely or needing encouragement.
- Pray for your deceased relatives and those who have no one to pray for them.
- “Spiritually adopt” a baby by saying this prayer every day: “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you very much. I beg you to spare the life of [baby’s name], the unborn baby that I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion.” – Prayer of Archbishop Fulton Sheen
