US bishops announce 9 days of prayer, penance around Roe anniversary

January 17, 2013

The United States Conference of Conference of Catholic Bishops has announced “Nine Days of Prayer, Penance and Pilgrimage” around January 22, the 40th anniversary Roe v. Wade-- the Supreme Court decision that struck down laws protecting unborn human life.

“The bishops recognize that prayer is the foundation of all our efforts on behalf of human life,” said Tom Grenchik, executive director of the USCCB’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. “These nine days of focused prayer and sacrifice are a great opportunity for people across the nation to unite their voices in prayer to God.”

The nine days will take place from January 19 to 27; events include the National Prayer Vigil for Life (January 24-25) and the March for Life (January 25). Interested Catholics can sign up to receive novena prayers by e-mail or text message. Other suggested activities include special Masses and holy hours.

The “Nine Days of Prayer, Penance and Pilgrimage” are part of the US bishops “Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty,” in which the bishops have requested a monthly holy hour, daily Rosary, and fast and abstinence on all Fridays until the Feast of Christ the King in November.

 

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Further information:

• U.S. Bishops Call For ‘Nine Days Of Prayer, Penance And Pilgrimage’ Surrounding 40th Anniversary Of Roe V. Wade (USCCB)
• Nine Days of Prayer, Penance and Pilgrimage (USCCB)
• Record crowd expected at March for Life; prayer vigil to feature Masses, holy hours (CWN, 1/15)
• US bishops announce prayer campaign for religious liberty, life, and marriage; encourage fast, abstinence on all Fridays (CWN, 12/7)