"9 Days for Life" campaign unites hundreds of thousands in prayer

Catholics from across the country are invited to join together in prayer for the protection of life and human dignity beginning today, January 16, when the "9 Days for Life" novena begins. In its 13th year, the campaign, sponsored by the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, concludes on Friday, January 24, the day of the March for Life in Washington, DC.

The nine-day novena is an opportunity for prayer and penance in observance of the annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children on January 22. The overarching intention of the novena is the end to abortion. Each daily prayer intention highlights a related topic and is accompanied by a reflection, educational information, and suggested daily actions. Guides, daily prayers, and reflections are all available at www.portlanddiocese.org/9-days-life. 

A contingent of more than 40 from the Diocese of Portland, including Bishop James Ruggieri, will travel to Washington, DC to participate in the March for Life rally on the 24th; the evening of January 23 is the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. 

Here in Maine, a Prayer Service for Life will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Holy Martyrs of North America Church, 266 Foreside Road in Falmouth. Prayers will include the Rosary for Life and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. There will then be time for silent eucharistic adoration and contemplation. This prayer service is sponsored by the Our Lady of Hope / Parish of the Holy Eucharist ACTS Ministry. All are welcome.