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Join the bishops’ nationwide novena for life

It starts this Saturday, Jan. 18. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is sponsoring 9 Days for Life, a nationwide novena observing the 41st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.

In a news release, Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the USCCB, encouraged the faithful to embrace the dignity of unborn children and to reject what Pope Francis has called a “throwaway culture.”

“By our participation in these 9 Days for Life, as we call upon the Lord for the healing and conversion of our nation and those impacted by the culture of death, we are also reminded — through the very act of prayer — of our beautiful dependence on God and His deep love for each of us,” O’Malley said.

The bishops are inviting Catholics across the nation to join together in prayer, penance and pilgrimage. No matter where you are, you can participate. Daily resources for the novena are available via email (scroll down on the page and enter your information), text (simply text 9DAYS to 99000), app (available for iPhone and Android) or online. With the app, you can even schedule alerts so you can pray when it works best for you.

In addition to the normal prayer and penance, the bishops are emphasizing pilgrimage. This could mean attending local events (e.g., Masses, Holy Hours, etc.) or traveling to Washington, D.C., for the March for Life on Jan. 22. There are many ways to get involved.

Visit www.9daysforlife.com for more information and to get signed up, and spread the word on social media using the hashtag #9daysforlife.

For promotional materials, visit the USCCB website.