Live! 9 days for Life Novena, Day 9, Friday, January 29, 2021, 11:00 a.m.

Live! 9 days for Life Novena, Day 8, Thursday, January 28, 2021, 7:00 p.m.

Pro-Life Holy Hour from the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains.

9 Days for Life Novena, Day 6, Wednesday, January 27

Intention
May all who support or participate in abortion experience a conversion of heart to seek and receive the Lord’s boundless mercy.

Prayers
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection
When God fashioned the human person in His own image and likeness, He destined us for eternal life with Him. Yet because of the sin of our first parents, death entered the world. The book of Genesis recounts the first occasion in which a person takes the life of another, as Cain violently kills his brother Abel. This instance of brother rising up against brother “at the very dawn of history is thus a sad witness of how evil spreads with amazing speed” (Evangelium vitae 8).

From the time of creation, disregard for human life has continued to spread. When we, like Cain, allow sin to find a place in our hearts, we become blinded to the truth. Sometimes this blindness might be so deep that we fail to recognize the undeniable humanity of unborn children. We may even tragically believe the lie that abortion is an act of compassion. But we know that “life, especially human life, belongs only to God: for this reason whoever attacks human life, in some way attacks God himself” (EV 9). Let us pray that all who support abortion will encounter the transforming love of the Father and, with repentant hearts, seek His mercy.

Acts of Reparation
(Choose one.)

Smile. Ask God today for the grace to be extra joyful and to share the light of Christ with those most in need of His love and mercy.

Make an act of faith, hope, or love.

Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.

One Step Further
Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life) was written to reaffirm the value and inviolability of every human life and to appeal to all people to respect, protect, love, and serve every human life. A brief summary highlights key themes and foundational teachings from the papal encyclical, exploring how the Church’s teachings regarding human life are at the heart of Jesus’ entire Gospel message.

9 Days for Life Novena, Day 6, Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Intention
May expectant mothers choosing adoption receive grace and support in embracing this loving option.

Prayers
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection

Mothers placing their children for adoption often face many challenges along the way. One of the greatest obstacles can be inaccurately perceiving adoption as abandonment. But mothers who make an adoption plan for their children are not abandoning their children. Rather, they are exemplifying the sacrificial love of Christ on the Cross in choosing to do what is best for their children, even at great cost to themselves. Like Christ, they pour out their bodies and souls for the sake of another. The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that, in the face of fears and trials, we can “hold fast to the hope that lies before us. This we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm” (Heb 6:18-19). We pray that each expectant mother choosing adoption will be filled with “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding” (Phil 4:7) as she makes a loving choice for her child. Let us all cling fast to the anchor of hope, for we have received “a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’” (Rom 8:15).

Acts of Reparation
(Choose one.)

Do you have a sweet tooth? Or do you prefer salty snacks? Pick your favorite kind of treat, and give it up for the day.

Look up one of the Scripture passages from today’s reflection, and spend some time with it in prayer. What is the Lord saying to you?

Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.

One Step Further
Accompanying Expectant Mothers Considering Adoption suggests nine ways to offer ongoing support to a woman who is considering making an adoption plan for her unborn child. Many of the tips given are also helpful for supporting a friend who is experiencing a challenging or unexpected pregnancy, even if adoption has not been brought up.

9 Days for Life Novena, Day 5, Monday, January 25, 2021
Holy Hour for Life at 2:00 p.m.
Diocese of Green Bay
Celebrant: Most Reverend David L. Ricken, D.D., JCL

Holy Hour for Life with Bishop David L. Ricken from Diocese of Green Bay on Vimeo.

9 Days for Life Novena, Day 4, Sunday, January 24, 2021

Intention
May expectant fathers lovingly support the mothers of their children in welcoming new life.

Prayers
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection

Fatherhood has its origins in God, who chose to reveal Himself to us as Our Father, sending his only Son for the sake of our salvation. Fathers therefore have a special role “in revealing and in reliving on earth the very fatherhood of God” (Familiaris consortio 25). Fathers are called to exhibit “generous responsibility for the life conceived under the heart of the mother” (FC 25). They are uniquely entrusted with the protection and defense of both mother and child and, in this way, in safeguarding the sanctity of human life.

As evidenced in our world today, the role of the father “is of unique and irreplaceable importance” (FC 25). Often women choose abortion because they do not have the support of the child’s father, or—even worse—the father of the child pressures her to make the decision to abort. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge with compassion that men can also be overwhelmed by an unexpected pregnancy and that society increasingly tells them that they should have no say in their children’s lives. In the face of these false messages, we pray that expectant fathers will find courage in the example of Saint Joseph—who embraced the role of father amid difficult circumstances—and offer loving, life-affirming support to the mothers of their children.

Acts of Reparation
(Choose one.)

Give up sleeping on your pillow—or even your bed—tonight. Offer this small sacrifice for the intention that expectant fathers will courageously answer their call to support both mother and child.

Pray a decade of the Rosary for all expectant fathers, that through her intercession, Our Lady may inspire in them the virtues of Saint Joseph.

Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.

One Step Further
Research continues to show that one of the top reasons a woman chooses abortion is due to a lack of financial resources. Read Poverty and Abortion: A Vicious Cycle, which explores the connections between abortion and poverty, and how the absence of fathers contributes to this ongoing cycle.

9 Days for Life Novena, Day 3, Saturday, January 23

Intention
May every expectant mother receive compassionate care and support as she nurtures the life in her womb.

Prayers
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, she opened her heart to receive his message that she would conceive the Son of God in her womb. As a young, betrothed, but unmarried, woman, Mary knew that her pregnancy presented many challenges. Despite this knowledge, she faithfully responded, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

​Like the Blessed Mother, women who unexpectedly become pregnant often face significant challenges. They, too, are called to place their trust in God and faithfully respond to His gift of new life. And we are called to walk with them in their time of need. As Jesus taught us, when we love and serve others, we are loving and serving Him.

​May all expectant mothers be encouraged by Mary’s example and receive support and grace in lovingly welcoming their children into the world.

Acts of Reparation
(Choose one.)

Sign up to pray for and serve expectant mothers in need in your community through a parish-based program called Walking with Moms in Need.

Pray the Angelus today. You might also consider saying it every day for the next week—on awakening, at noon, or at 6 p.m. (or all three times).

Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.

One Step Further
When a woman is facing an unexpected pregnancy, the reaction of the first person she tells tends to set the tone for her decision-making. Pregnancy can be difficult and frightening, but no matter the circumstances, it’s important for an expectant mother to feel supported and loved. Read 10 Ways to Support Her When She’s Unexpectedly Expecting for simple tips on how to provide loving, life-affirming support for a friend who is unexpectedly pregnant. Your support may be the only support she receives.

​

Friday, January 22, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
Holy Hour for the Protection of the Unborn

9 Days for Life Novena Day 1, Thursday, January 21, 2021
5:00 p.m.
Diocese of Santa Fe
Celebrant: Most Reverend John C. Wester