In prayerful recognition of the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade Jan. 22, the U.S. bishops have announced a 9 Days for Life novena to coincide with the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.
The bishops note that since 1973, “more than 55 million children’s lives have been lost to abortion, and the lives of millions of their parents have been shattered.” Since then, tens of thousands of pro-life supporters have gathered each year in Washington, D.C., to mark the anniversary of Roe v Wade, and to prayerfully protest the legalization of abortion.
This year, Catholics across the country are able to participate in the event by joining in the nine days of “prayer, penance and pilgrimage.” All Catholics are encouraged to participate in the nine day program—from Jan. 18 to Jan. 26—which includes specific intercessions, reflections and suggested acts of penance, reparation and charity for each day.
An act of reparation is a prayer or devotion with the intent to repair the “sins of others.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Every offence committed against justice and truth entails the duty of reparation, even if its author has been forgiven” (CCC 2487).
Participants can follow the program online (www.9daysforlife.com), download an interactive app, or sign up to receive daily reminders via text or email.
To sign up for text messages, text “9Days” to 99000. You will receive a link to new novena content each day via cell phone.
