U.S. Catholics Prepare for Bishops’ Launch of “9 Days for Life” Respect Life Campaign on January 18th

WASHINGTON—On January 18, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will launch the national "9 Days for Life" campaign calling Catholics and the faithful together for a 9-day "digital pilgrimage" focusing on cherishing the gift of human life from conception to natural death. The campaign surrounds the annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, which occurs on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade—the Supreme court decision that made abortion legal throughout the United States. The overarching intention of the centerpiece novena is the end to abortion, and each day highlights a different intention related to respect for human life: end of lifecare, human trafficking, healing after abortion, the death penalty, and more. Participants are called to both prayer and action unified around each day's specific intention and can subscribe to receive daily messages at www.9daysforlife.com. Leaders' resources, including a press kit, are available at www.usccb.org/9-days-for-life-toolkit.

WHO: The U.S. bishops are calling Catholics, parishes, schools, organizations, and all people of good will to participate in the nationwide "9 Days for Life" campaign. Through our unified prayer and action, we can help create a culture that cherishes the gift of every human life.

WHEN: "9Days for Life" will run from Thursday, January 18 – Friday, January 26, 2018.

WHAT: 9daysforlife.com is the dedicated website for joining the novena and for accessing resources to share and go deeper into this "digital pilgrimage." Participants can receive the novena by downloading the free "9 Days for Life" app, or by subscribing to daily emails or text messages. (A printable version is also available online.) Those who join the campaign are invited to:

1. Pray with a multi-faceted novena that includes a new intention, brief reflection, bonus information, and suggested actions each day.
2. Gather in prayer and fellowship with others. (Suggestions are provided.)
3. Share a culture of life online! #OurPrayersMatter#9DaysforLife

WHERE: For additional information and updates on ways to get involved, please visit 9daysforlife.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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About the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is an assembly of the hierarchy of the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands who jointly exercise certain pastoral functions on behalf of the Christian faithful of the United States. The purpose of the Conference is to promote the greater good which the Church offers humankind, especially through forms and programs of the apostolate fittingly adapted to the circumstances of time and place. This purpose is drawn from the universal law of the Church and applies to the episcopal conferences which are established all over the world for the same purpose. For more information, visit www.usccb.organd www.usccb.org/prolife. Follow the USCCB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, 9 Days for Life, Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, Roe v. Wade, culture of life, end of life care, human trafficking, healing after abortion, Project Rachel, death penalty, pro-life, novena, prayer, abortion,#OurPrayersMatter, #9DaysforLife

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Media Contact:
Judy Keane
202-541-3200