“As soon as Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement, pro-abortion groups began lobbying the U.S. Senate to reject any nominee who does not promise to endorse Roe v. Wade. While the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops does not support or oppose the confirmation of any presidential nominee, we can and should raise grave concerns about a confirmation process which is being grossly distorted by efforts to subject judicial nominees to a litmus test of support for Roe v. Wade. And we must pray,” said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in a statement on July 19.

The Call to Prayer initiative by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops invites the faithful to join in prayer and sacrifice for the protection of life, marriage, and religious liberty in America. During the months of August and September, the weekly Call to Prayer has been adapted into a nine-week Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life.

“In addition to the current invitation to fast on Fridays, participants are encouraged to pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the intention of the novena. Participants will also be provided with weekly opportunities to learn more about Roe v. Wade and share that information with their representatives,” explains the USCCB.

To join in the novena, visit the USCCB website. You can also sign up for text or email reminders each week. The US bishops hope that if we all come together in prayer, we might “move our nation closer to the day when every human being is protected in law and welcomed in life.”

“May Our Lady of Guadalupe intercede for the healing of our nation and our people from decades of abortion on demand,” said Cardinal Dolan.