Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
January 22
The over 56 million abortions since the 1973 decisions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton reflect with heartbreaking magnitude what Pope Francis means by a “throwaway culture.” However, we have great trust in God’s providence. We are reminded time and again in Scripture to seek the Lord’s help, and as people of faith, we believe that our prayers are heard.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 373, designates January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”: “In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.”
As individuals, we are called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting and/or giving alms. Another way to take part is through participating in special events to observe the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Call your local diocese or parish to find out what events might be taking place in your area.
Recent Posts
Pilgrim Virgin Statue Visits St. Francis Parish
The world famous Pilgrim Virgin Statue, sponsored by the World Apostolic of Fatima USA – Our Lady's Blue Army, which has been traveling the world since 1947, as well as the first class relics of Jacinta and Francesco, blessed us and visited us here at St. Francis on...
New Extraordinary Ministers Commissioned
(left to right) Fr. Peter, Ms. Donna Tanzi, Ms. Paula Schirripa, Ms. Phyllis Sadusky, Deacon JimAt the 12 Noon Mass on Sunday, June 30, 2024, Fr. Peter installed three new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Fr. Peter quoted from the Book of Blessings: “In...
GIRM 373:
Masses for Various Needs and Occasions are used in certain situations either as occasion arises or at fixed times.
Days or periods of prayer for the fruits of the earth, prayer for human rights and equality, prayer for world justice and peace, and penitential observances outside Lent are to be observed in the Dioceses of the United States of America at times to be designated by the Diocesan Bishop.
In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion. The liturgical celebrations for this day may be the “Mass For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life” (no. 48/1 of the Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions), celebrated with white vestments, or the Mass “For the Preservation of Peace and Justice” (no. 30 of the Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions), celebrated with violet vestments.”
©2021 by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
“A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which xwill 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 heart of every believer.”
Evangelium vitae, 100
