Catholics nationwide are preparing to pray 9 Days for Life, the annual pro-life novena beginning on Jan. 19.
In the Catholic Church, a novena consists of prayers or actions over nine successive days. This pro-life novena is an opportunity for recollection and reparation in observation of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the United States Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal throughout the country.
Sponsored by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 9 Days for Life began in 2013 in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. This is the 10th year the novena is taking place.
The overarching intention of the novena is the end to abortion. Each daily intention highlights a related topic and is accompanied by a reflection, educational information, and suggested daily actions. The novena encompasses the annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children on Jan. 22.
All are invited to sign up at 9daysforlife.com. Participants can receive the novena in English or Spanish by email or text message, or it can be accessed online. Participants can share their pro-life witness and invite their social networks to pray on social media with the hashtag #9DaysforLife. A resource kit is available, and features the daily prayer intentions and reflections, among other materials.
For additional information and updates throughout the novena, follow the USCCB 9 Days for Life on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.