The Nine Days for Life Novena, an initiative led by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, has become a beacon of hope and healing for many. Anne Ferreira, assistant director of education and outreach for the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, recently spoke to Our Sunday Visitor, sharing several inspiring stories that underscore the novena’s profound impact.
One such story is about a woman who, haunted by memories of her abortion, found solace in the novena’s focused prayers. “It was a comforting feeling, like 100 people praying for me right at that exact moment,” Ferreira recalled, describing the woman’s experience. The novena’s intention for that day was poignantly relevant: it prayed for mothers grappling with the memories of abortion, seeking the Lord’s love and mercy.
Another powerful testament came from a father whose daughter revealed her unexpected pregnancy. This news came shortly after he participated in the novena, praying for women in challenging situations. Ferreira shared, “He felt like his prayers during the novena had been answered … he had been praying for his daughter.”
The novena also touched a family dealing with a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis. Providentially, the day’s intention mirrored their situation, fostering awareness of the Church’s support and prayer.
Celebrating life in all forms
Ferreira emphasized the novena’s role in prompting deeper conversations about the pro-life cause in the U.S. “The novena surrounds the day of prayer for the legal protection of unborn children,” she explained, highlighting its alignment with the bishops’ emphasis on abortion. “When discussing the political responsibility of Catholics, the bishops have repeatedly affirmed that abortion is their preeminent priority,” Ferreira said. The novena unpacks the Church’s vision of the entire pro-life movement, addressing illness, disability and other challenging situations, and underscores the unchanging value of human dignity.
The novena is not just about numbers or statistics. While it’s encouraging to see the initiative’s reach — with participants from over 100 countries — the real success lies in the individual stories of transformation and healing. “Those individual stories tell me that other things must be happening too, through the novena,” Ferreira reflected.
This year, the novena has undergone a design refresh, making it more engaging and accessible. A notable addition is a call to action through a live webinar focusing on supporting mothers in need within parish communities. Participants can find the prayers for the novena, which begins Jan. 16, on RespectLife.com.
As Ferreira puts it, the novena is “a huge yes to the richness and the beauty that the Lord wants to offer.” It’s a call to celebrate life in all its forms and to stand in solidarity with those facing life’s most challenging moments.
