Respect Life Month

October is Respect Life Month, with the first Sunday of the month (October 1, 2023) designated as Respect Life Sunday. The day and month provide opportunities to reflect more deeply on the value of each human life and on efforts to protect life from conception to natural death.

The theme for 2023 is “Radical Solidarity, to be courageously pro-woman, promoting a choice that truly protects, accompanies, and supports women and their children.” It calls us to work together to bring about a culture of life through radical, sacrificial, Christ-like love. As Saint John Paul II wrote, “a radical solidarity with women requires that the underlying causes which make a child unwanted be addressed.”

To support Respect Life Month and Respect Life Sunday, the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities provides materials to help Catholics better understand and appreciate the gift of human life and help build a culture that cherishes and protects it. The resources are available at www.respectlife.org/respect-life-month. Additional resources and prayers may be found below.

Prayer for Radical Solidarity

O Blessed Mother, at the angel’s word you went in haste to the aid of your cousin Elizabeth. Although pregnant yourself, you placed her needs before your own.

By your example of radical solidarity, teach us to reverence and protect those in need, without conditions or expectations. Ask your Son to give us unfailing determination to witness to the profound dignity of every person, at every stage and in every circumstance.

In that first Eucharistic procession, you carried Jesus to Elizabeth in her time of need. Obtain for us the grace to bring Christ to any expectant mother who is alone and afraid

May our support help them to find hope and strength in the Lord. Amen.

Additional Prayers

A Prayer to Joseph, Defender of Life (External site)

A Prayer for Pregnant Mothers (External site)

Prayer for Radical Solidarity (External site)

Events & Services

Biddeford - A Rosary Recital for the Unborn is held the first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at St. Anne's Chapel, located at St. Joseph Church, 178 Elm Street in Biddeford.

Falmouth - In honor of the month of the Holy Rosary and in support of the 40 Days for Life campaign, all are invited to join in praying the Rosary for Life in the grotto at Holy Martyrs of North America Church, 266 Foreside Road in Falmouth.