This week, we join in prayer and penance to mark the 53rd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that affirmed the constitutional right to abortion in the U.S. in 1973. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned this decision on June 24, 2022. Abortion rights are now being defined by individual states. Many state and federal laws continue to be hostile toward preborn children. Prayer, advocacy, and hope for protection for all human life are still very much needed!
In his homily during opening Mass of the 2025 National Prayer Vigil for Life, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, said:
“In the Letter of Saint Peter, the first Pope, he reminded us that we must always be prepared to share with others the reason for our hope. The reason for our hope is the Word made flesh. The reason for our hope is the God who pursues us despite our sinfulness, our brokenness. The reason for our hope is anchored in the Creator of the cosmos, choosing to become an embryo in the womb of Mary, to be born in the poor circumstances of Bethlehem, to be an infant refugee fleeing a tyrannical king, to be a boy growing up in a small town of Nazareth, to be a laborer—a carpenter who knew what it was to work hard, to exercise his public ministry in this obscure region of the world . . . the back waters of the Roman Empire, and ultimately to give his life on Calvary so that we can be transformed by Divine Mercy and, with his Easter victory of life, give us a destiny to live with him and the saints forever.
“We ask this Jesus, the Word made flesh who humbled himself to be an embryo in Mary and humbles himself to be present to us in the Eucharist, to give us food for the journey. Let us take up the banner of hope, intent on building a culture of life and a civilization of love.”
While the Church celebrates the victory of overturning Roe v. Wade, there is still much work and prayer needed. January 16–24 are designated for the 9 Days for Life (USA) / 9 días por la vida novena for the protection of human life. On January 22–23, there is the National Prayer Vigil for Life (USA). The March for Life in Washington, D.C., is scheduled for January 23. There are many other marches happening in cities throughout the U.S. The Bishops of the United States encourage us to participate in a day of prayer and penance on January 22, the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. There are a great number of resources available at respectlife.org.
Please join in praying this prayer from Day 1 of the 9 Days for Life novena. Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.
Heavenly Father, thank you
for the precious gift of life.
Help us to cherish and protect
this gift, even in the midst of
fear, pain, and suffering.
Give us love for all people,
especially the most vulnerable,
and help us bear witness to the
truth that every life is worth living.
Grant us the humility to accept
help when we are in need,
and teach us to be merciful to all.
Through our words and actions,
may others encounter the
outstretched hands of Your mercy.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer credit: Every Life is Worth Living, © 2015, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.
Image credit: Ocskay Mark/stock.adobe.com
