Archbishop Pérez is encouraging faithful throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to join with Catholics from throughout the country by participating in “9 Days of Life” (January 21-29, 2021) and the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children” (January 22, 2021).
On January 22, 2021, our nation marks the 48th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the United States Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Since that time, millions of lives have been lost to abortion. Our prayers and sacrifices make a difference in the face of the culture of death and place emphasis on hope for a culture that respects and protects the gift of human life from conception to natural death.
“9 Days for Life”
“9 Days for Life” is an initiative sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It is centered on prayer and calls for an end to abortion as well as renewed respect for the dignity of all human life.
The centerpiece of this national effort is a novena with intercessions, brief reflections, and suggested acts of reparation that can be received directly each day through a variety of electronic forms. The “9 Days for Life” provides many ways for people of all ages and circumstances to participate.
Information regarding “9 Days for Life” is posted on the USCCB website at www.9daysforlife.com. On this site you will find the prayers, programmatic and promotional resources to encourage this nationwide prayer effort. Participants can choose to receive the novena via email, text message, a printable version, or through a free “9 Days for Life” mobile app (with customizable reminders) in English or Spanish.
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
In all dioceses of the United States of America, January 22nd is designated as a “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” This day is one of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee to the right to life and of penance for the violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.
Catholics all throughout the county are encouraged to pray especially on this anniversary day for the protection of the life of the unborn. Catholics are likewise encouraged to perform some act of penance, such as abstaining from meat or something similar, for the offenses against the life of the unborn.
Information and resources for the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn” can be found on the USCCB’s website at https://www.usccb.org/committees/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/january-22-day-of-prayer.
