9 Days for Life
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January 10, 2024On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court legalized abortion throughout the United States in its companion decisions Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. Since that time, millions of children have lost their lives, and millions of women and families have been wounded by abortion.
On June 24, 2022, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturned Roe v. Wade, and we praise God for the great opportunity state and federal legislators now have to protect preborn children. While God, in His mercy, ended the nearly fifty-year nationwide regime of abortion on demand, right now state and federal laws, in many instances, are still hostile to preborn children. So, great prayer and advocacy is very needed.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” As individuals, we are called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting and/or almsgiving. In observance of this, Fr Raju will celebrate Mass at St. Elizabeth on Monday, January 22 at 5:30 p.m. and we would like to encourage everyone to join.
In addition, the USCCB also sponsors an annual, nationwide novena called 9 Days for Life, which encompasses the liturgical observance of the Day of Prayer. Each day for nine days, a different intention is featured, accompanied by a short reflection, suggested actions, and related information as we pray for the respect and protection of every human life. Please join 10 minutes before each daily and weekend Mass starting this Tuesday, January 16th until Wednesday, January 24th as we participate in this novena together as a community of believers. If you are unable to attend one of the days, there will be volunteers at the doors this weekend passing out copies of the novena for you to say on your own. You also should receive a parish Flocknote with a link to sign up to receive it to your email each day. If you need assistance or have any questions, please see Patricia Huggins or Catelin Britt.
