9 Days for Life

“9 Days for Life,” a novena for the intention that all human life be respected, will begin on January 16 and continue through January 24, 2024.

You are invited to join thousands of Catholics across the country in nine days of prayer for the protection of human life and human dignity.  Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.

The prayer campaign, sponsored by the Committee on Pro Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, includes the annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children on January 22. 

In 2022, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide. However, pre-born children are still losing their lives.  

Each of the nine days highlights a related topic and includes an intercession, prayers, a reflection, an act of reparation, and one step further you might take. You will find easy to follow guides below.

Daily Prayers & Reflections for the Novena

Day-by-day guide (all nine days - printable)
Day-by-Day guide (Spanish)

Daily Intention Graphics for websites or social media

Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Five
Day Six
Day Seven
Day Eight
Day Nine

Prayer Services in the Diocese of Portland

Parish of the Holy Eucharist, Falmouth

Starting January 14, the Parish of the Holy Eucharist will recite the Nine Days for Life Novena prayer following weekend and daily Masses at each of its four churches: Holy Martyrs of North America in Falmouth, Sacred Heart in Yarmouth, St. Gregory in Gray, and St. Jude in Freeport . A Mass schedule can be found here.

A Prayer Service for Life will be held Sunday, January 21, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Holy Martyrs of North America Church, 266 Foreside Road in Falmouth.  The service will include the Rosary for Life and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. There will also be time for silent eucharistic adoration and contemplation.  This prayer service is sponsored by the OLH/POTHE ACTS Ministry.  Bring your families and friends, and join us in praying for this important cause.

Additional Resources

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection for Unborn Children

Dioceses throughout the United States observe the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children on January 22. It is a day set aside in a particular way to pray for pre-born children and to pray for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life.

Project Rachel

For those who are hurt or suffering from having participated in an abortion or those who have been affected by abortion in some way, please visit our Project Rachel site to learn more about finding comfort and healing.

Respect Life

To learn more about the 9 Days for Life novena or to sign up for emails or texts, visit https://www.respectlife.org/9-days-for-life. You will also find additional prayers for life and other resources on that website.