9 Days For Life Novena - Day 9: All Who Defend Life

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Intercession:

May all who defend life find strength and renewal in the Holy Spirit.

Prayers:

The Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's, the Glory Be

Reflection:

In answering this call, we help to build "a new culture of life, the fruit of the culture of truth and of love." (EV77) May the Holy Spirit continually renew us as we strive to faithfully defend God's gift of life. 

Acts of Reparation (Choose one):

-   Do you love your cup of tea or coffee? Abstain from caffeine today.

-   "Unplug" for some time and reflect upon how God may be asking you to 
     help build a culture of life in your home, workplace, or Church 
     community.

-   Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance you feel called to 
     do.

One step further:

Watching the news and reading headlines, we may often feel helpless in the face of heartbreaking lack of respect for human life. When our efforts to make a difference feel small, it's important to remember that changing the culture is a process of conversion that begins in our own hearts. It includes a willingness to be instructed by the Holy Spirit and a desire to be close to Jesus, the source of joy and love. "How to Build a Culture of Life" briefly explains where to start. Evangelium vitae (Gospel of Life) no 77

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9 Days For Life Novena - Day 8: Civic Leaders

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Left to Right: U.S. Senator Dick Luger, along with the "Three Amigo's" Chris Dickson, Dr. Tom Ringenberg, Mike Pence (who later became U.S. Congressman, Governor, and then Vice President of the United States) Circa 1988

May civic leaders work for the protection of all human life, in every stage and circumstance. 

Prayers:

The Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's, the Glory Be

Reflection:

The entire moral vision of our nation is based on respect for the dignity and sanctity of the human person. The Declaration of Independence boldly affirms that first among our inalienable rights is the right to life, given to us by our Creator. Yet despite being so solemnly proclaimed, the right to life is today threatened and often denied, particularly at the moment when life is most fragile. Our laws should, first and foremost, protect life, but currently our laws abandon the most vulnerable and violate our nation's core principles. For "there can be no genuine justice in our society until the truths upon which our nation was founded are more perfectly realized in our culture and law." (Living the Gospel of Life, 14) Laws and policies that legalize or promote an intrinsic evil like abortion violate the virtue of justice. Those who work as public officials and civic leaders have a duty to serve the common good, and therefore have a profound obligation to safeguard this most fundamental right. As Christians, we are called to be leaven in the world, transforming our culture from within. Through our own prayer, witness, and civic participation, we can encourage our leaders to truly answer their call to protect the rights of all people, for "there can be no true democracy without the recognition of every person's dignity and without respect for his or her rights." (Evangeliun vitae 101) 

Acts of Reparation (Choose one):

-     Sacrifice some of your free time to do a small act of service, such as making breakfast for a family member, writing a not of encouragement to a coworker, or praying for the intentions of a friend. Sometimes restrictions on religious freedom constrain our efforts to live out the Gospel of Life. We must be free to live out our Catholic faith in the public square.

-   Offer this prayer Prayer for Religious Liberty, that Christians may always be free to respect, protect, and defend human life.

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

One step further:

   In 2004, the U.S. bishops reaffirmed the Church's consistent teaching that abortion is an intrinsic evil and offered guidance to Catholic politicians regarding this fundamental teaching. Read "Catholics in Political Life," in which the bishops outline the responsibility of Catholics in the public square to share in the "Unequivocal commitment to protect human life and dignity and to preach the Gospel in difficult times." "Living the Gospel Life," no. 14, Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life), no. 101 


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9 Days For Life Novena - Day 7: All Who Support Abortion

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May those who support abortion experience a conversion of heart. 

Intercession:

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

Prayers:

The Our father, 3 Hail Mary's, the 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 into 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 Himself" (EV9) Let us pray that everyone who supports abortion encounters 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 share the light 
    of Christ

-   Pray the Rosary, reflecting upon the Sorrowful Mysteries

-   Offer some other form of sacrifice, or act of penance for today's 
     intention

One step further:

Our culture is obsessed with perfection (a superficial perfection). Social media, magazines, and television are staged and edited to depict seemingly perfect lives. When life doesn't seem to measure up to these standards, we may be tempted to believe it's not worth living. In "A Perfect Gift," one parent shares about the experience of raising a child with Down Syndrome, contrasting it with what onlookers might perceive: "It's like looking at a stained glass window from the outside: the colors look dark and you can't quite make out the figures. From the inside, however, with the sun shining through it, the effect can be brilliant. From inside our family, love illuminates our life with Charlie (name changed for privacy). What may seem dreary to others, perhaps even unbearable, is actually filled with beauty and color." Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life)

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9 Days For Life Novena - Day 6: Mothers Choosing Adoption

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May women choosing adoption over abortion receive support for embracing this loving option.

Prayers:

The Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's, the 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 place their children for adoption 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. 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 all mothers considering adoption would be filled with "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding," (Phil 4:7) and see the beauty of their sacrifice. 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? Do you prefer salty snacks? Give it up for the day.

-  Make an act of faith, hope or love.

-  Offer some other sacrifice, prayer., or act of penance you're called to do.

Go one step further:

 "Accompanying Expectant Mothers Considering Adoption" suggests nine ways to offer ongoing support to a woman who is considering placing her unborn child for adoption. Many of the tips given are also helpful for supporting a friend who is experiencing a challenging unexpected pregnancy, even if adoption has not been brought up. Supplemental resources regarding adoption can be found at www.usccb.org/adoption-resources.

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9 Days For Life Novena - Day 5: For Someone Suffering After Abortion

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May those suffering find hope and healing in Christ. 

If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential, compassionate help is available. Visit www.hopeafterabortion.org. 

Intercession:

May each person suffering from the loss of a child through abortion find hope and healing in Christ. 

Prayers:

The Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's, Glory Be

Reflection:

After more than four decades of legalized abortion, many children's lives have been ended, and many parents and family members suffer that loss, often in silence. Yet God's greatest desire is to forgive. No matter how far we have each strayed from His side, He says to us, "Don't be afraid. Draw close to my heart."  Be assured that it is never too late to seek God's forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Consider the parable of the prodigal son. After repenting of sinning against his father, he returns from far away to seek forgiveness and work as a servant. But the father sees him approaching, runs to warmly embrace him, and hosts a banquet to celebrate his return. So too does God welcome all of his repentant children, no matter how serious the sin. Let us turn confidently to Our Lord who is love and mercy.

Acts of Reparation (Choose one)

- Abstain from meat today.

- Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

- Offer some other sacrifice, prayer of act of penance that you feel called to do.

One step further: If a friend confided in you that she had an abortion, would you be able to listen and respond in a way that brings her closer to healing and closer to God?

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9 Days For Life Novena - Day 4: Expectant Fathers

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May expectant fathers lovingly support the mothers of their children.

Intercession:

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

Prayers:

Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's, 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) Pope St. John Paul II said fathers are called to exhibit "generous responsibility for the life conceived under the heart of the mother." 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. 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 St. 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 would 
   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 St. Joseph 

-  Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called 
   to do.

Research continues to show that one of the top reasons a woman chooses abortion is due to a lack of financial resources. The absence of fathers greatly contributes to this ongoing, vicious cycle of poverty.

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9 Days For Life Novena - Day 3: Expectant Mothers

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May they receive compassionate care and support. 

Intercession:

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

Prayers:

The Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's, Glory Be

Reflection:

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, she opened her heart to receive his message that swhe 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. Likewise, 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):

- Abstain from snacking today. Eat three meals only.

- Pray the Angelus today. 

   (You might also consider saying it every day for the next week)

- Offer some other sacrifice, prayer or act of penance for today's intention.

Special note:

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, but no matter the circumstances, it's important for an expectant mother to feel supported and loved. Your support may be the only support she receives.

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9 Days For Life Novena - Day 2

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Day of Prayer for the legal protection of Unborn Children

Did you know? In the Catholic Church in the United States, January 22nd is designated as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children." As Catholics, we are called to observe this day through the penitential practice of prayer, fasting, and/or giving alms. 

Intercession: May all unborn children be protected in law and welcomed in love.

Prayers: the Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's, Glory Be.

Today's Reflection:

On this 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we mourn the many children's lives ended by abortion and remember in prayer those who suffer the aftermath. The Church comes together today to pray for the protection of all unborn children and to make reparation for abortion, trusting that the Lord hears our prayers. Pope Saint John Paul II wrote, "A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the hearts of every believer" (Evangelium vitae, 100). May that prayer arise in our hearts today and each day forward until every human being is protected in law and welcomed in love. 

Acts of Reparation (Choose one):

- Fast from one meal today.

- Offer this brief "Prayer for Life for all unborn children whose lives are at risk:

  "Father and maker of all, You adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives in Your image and likeness. Awaken in every heart a reverence for the work of Your hands, and        renew among Your people a readiness to nurture and sustain Your precious gift of life. Grant this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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

More and more women and girls consider abortion that we may not realize. They are our relatives and friends, people who work with us or for us. Even if someone identifies as being pro-life, the shock of an unexpected pregnancy, the devastation of a difficult prenatal diagnosis, shame, pressures, or fears may influence her to consider abortion. If someone shared with you that she was pregnant and hadn't ruled our having a abortion, would you know how to respond in a loving way that is life-affirming for both her and her baby? Learn about the four steps of L.O.V.E.: Approach. Listen and Learn, Open Opinions, Visions and Value, and Extend and Empower. 

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Starting Today! 9 Days For Life Novena

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May the tragic practice of abortion end. Prayers Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's, 

Glory Be
Reflection At every stage and in every circumstance, we are held in existence 

by never diminishes the value of a human life. God does not call us to 

perfection of God’s love. The presence of an illness, disability, or other 

challenging situation own lives and the lives of others as true gifts. 

Abortion tragically rejects the appearance or abilities, but to perfection in 

love. Christ invites us to embrace our all those involved. But Christ came 

that we “might have life and have it more truth that every life is a good and

 perfect gift, deserving protection. This violent practice ends the life of a 

human being at its very beginning and horribly wounds opened to the 

incredible beauty of every human life. Acts of Reparation (Choose
abundantly” (John 10:10), taking on human flesh for the sake of our 

redemption. May our culture experience the power of God’s transforming 

love, that all eyes may be one.) Take a break from television and movies 

today. Consider spending some of that cherish and protect this gift, even 

in the midst of fear, pain, and suffering. Give time praying with today’s 

reflection. Pray the short prayer “Every Life is Worth Living,” reflecting 

on the gift of human life. (Also available to order or download.) Heavenly 

Father, thank you for the precious gift of life. Help us to us love for all 

people, especially the most vulnerable, and help us bear witness to you feel

 called to do for today’s intention, 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. 



Offer some other  sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that

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