STATEN ISLAND, NY – Priests for Life invites all people of faith to join them tomorrow in beginning an Assumption Novena to pray for an end to abortion.
The novena will conclude on Aug. 15, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven.
“We will ask the Blessed Mother’s intercession as we pray for a speedy end to the ongoing holocaust of abortion,” said the Rev. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life. “We will ask Mary to open the heart of every woman facing an unplanned pregnancy so that she can see beyond her fears and say ‘Yes’ just as Mary said ‘Yes.’ Moreover, the Assumption is all about the victory of life over death.”
The Novena prayer is as follows:
“Lord Jesus Christ,
You have conquered the power of death
And opened for humanity
The hope of eternal life in body and soul.
You granted your Mother
A share in heavenly glory,
And did not allow decay to touch her body.
As we rejoice in the Assumption of Mary,
Grant us new confidence in the victory of life over death,
And renewed reverence for the human body.
As we honor Mary, Assumed into Heaven,
May we proclaim the hope of Your Gospel:
That you want every human life seated on your throne.
May that hope strengthen us to protect every life here on earth.
You live and reign forever and ever. Amen.”
Father Pavone said prayer is something everyone can do to help bring about an end to abortion.
“The power of prayer is essential,” Father Pavone said. “We utilize that power throughout the year by means of novenas and seasonal pro-life prayers that can be found at www.PrayerCampaign.org. This is a great way for pastors to mobilize their congregations, and for families, pro-life groups, and schools to participate.”
Priests for Life is the nation’s largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
