Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has set out a plan for “spiritual battle” throughout January in response to the anniversary of the legalization of abortion in the United States and the growing concern for the sanctity of the child in the womb. Through private prayer and virtual Masses, the faithful are asked to support the extensive prayer campaign aimed at ending the scourge of abortion.
“As the new year begins, there are many issues in society that challenge our Catholic moral and social teachings. Opposition to abortion remains our ‘pre-eminent priority,’” the Bishop said. “As a Diocese, as parishes, let us pray for an end to abortion, for the legal protection of the unborn and in thanksgiving to God for the gift of human life.”
The Diocese’s faithful are asked to pray a Rosary for life throughout the month of January. In addition, from Jan. 14-22, Bishop O’Connell will lead a daily broadcast of a “Novena to St. Joseph to End Abortion,” which will be published on all diocesan media outlets.
On Jan. 22, the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, the Diocese of Trenton will join the other New Jersey (arch)dioceses in observing a Day of Fasting and Prayer to end abortion. In a letter issued Jan. 5, the New Jersey bishops write:
As we mark this tragic event in our nation’s history, we remember the millions of lives lost to abortion and pray for the mothers and fathers left to suffer the tragic effects.
The Catholic Church is committed to protecting all life from conception to natural death. We will work vigorously to ensure the laws of our state and country protect and defend the intrinsic dignity of all people.
Signed by the bishops of the five Roman Catholic arch(dioceses), as well as two Eastern-rite dioceses, the letter concludes with a prayer:
We humbly implore our Blessed Mother under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and Protectress of the Unborn, to intercede on our behalf that these efforts to end abortion are guided by mercy, compassion, and above all charity.
To view the letter, click HERE.
In keeping with public health recommendations to avoid crowds and closed-in settings due to COVID-19 infection risk, the Diocese will not sponsor or organize travel to Washington, D.C., for the National March for Life, which is set for Jan. 29. Instead, the Diocese encourages the faithful to keep a local focus by participating on that day in a pre-recorded pro-life Mass, celebrated by Bishop O’Connell, which will be available online beginning at 11 a.m.
Visit TrentonMonitor.com>News>Diocese for more information and links to these observances as well as youtube.com/trentondiocese.