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January 12, 2025On 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. We will recognize this day during Mass on Wednesday, January 22 at 12:10 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 us before each daily and weekend Mass starting this Thursday, January 16th until Friday, January 24th as we participate in this novena together as a community of believers. You can also sign up to receive daily emails through Flocknote featuring the intention, reflection, and suggested actions for each day at https://ClarksdaleCatholic.flocknote.com/9DaysforLife2025 or by texting "9DAYS" to 84576.
