Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life

 from Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
Archdiocese of Philadelphia

On behalf of Archbishop Chaput, I write to share information about the upcoming Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life, which is sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

Each Friday, between August 3rd and September 28th the standing weekly Call to Prayer will be adapted as a nine-week Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life. In addition to the current invitation to fast on Fridays, participants are encouraged to pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the intention of this novena.

This initiative was prompted by the announcement earlier this summer that United States Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy would retire. Neither the Archdiocese of Philadelphia nor the USCCB supports or opposes the confirmation of any presidential nominee. However, given this historic moment, the U.S. bishops are urging all people of good will to pray that a change in the U.S. Supreme Court may move our nation closer to the day when every human being is protected in law and welcomed in life.


Intercession

May a change in the U.S. Supreme Court move our nation closer to the day when every human being is protected in law and welcomed in life.


Prayers

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be


Reflection

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy's announcement that he will retire has catapulted Roe v. Wade into the news. Pro-abortion groups are pulling out all the stops to urge the U.S. Senate to reject any nominee who does not promise to publicly endorseRoe. And they are misrepresenting the legal and social reality of Roe and what would happen if it is overturned.

The upcoming Supreme Court vacancy provides us with an occasion requiring focusedprayer. The USCCB does not support or oppose the confirmation of any presidential nominee. However, given this historic moment, the U.S. bishops are urging all people of good will to pray for nine weeks—starting Friday—that a change in the U.S. Supreme Court may move our nation closer to the day when every human being is protected in law and welcomed in life.


Acts of Reparation (Choose one)

• Join in the nine-week Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life by signing up at www.usccb.org/pray. 

• Choose one day this week to offer a fast for the intention of the novena. (Get information and ideas for fasting.)

• Urge Congress to stand up for fairness and life in filling the vacancy on the Supreme Court. Send your Senators a message today here. Then share on social media to encourage others to join you.

One Step Further 
 

Read Roe v. Wade: Questions and Answers” to learn little known truths about Roe v. Wade.

 

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Pregnant, need help or know someone who does?  

National Hotline: Call 1-800-712-HELP or Text 'HELPLINE' to 313131.
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