Pray for an end to abortion and violence against children
By Bishop Jaime Soto
Novena to the Holy Innocents
Heavenly Father,
By their wordless profession of faith in your Son,
the Holy Innocents were given a martyr’s crown in the early days after the Savior’s birth.
Knowing how precious they are to you we call on them to join in our prayer for an end to abortion and all forms of violence against children:
That the President of the United States,
all other elected officials and judges may come to acknowledge the humanity of every child in the womb and to enact laws and policies to defend them, we pray:
Lord, hear our prayer.
That everyone throughout the world may be given the light to see beyond all doubt the full humanity and unique value of every child who has ever been conceived, we pray:
Lord, hear our prayer.
That all innocent children who suffer the scourges of war, the wrath of abuse,
and the pain of neglect may come to know the power of God’s prevailing love and healing mercy, we pray:
Lord, hear our prayer.
For these intentions and in union with the Holy Innocents,
we pray as the Lord Jesus taught us:
“Our Father, who art in heaven…”
Pray this novena for nine consecutive days any time of the year.
Since the Feast of the Holy Innocents is celebrated on Dec. 28, it would be most appropriate to pray this novena beginning on Dec. 19 so as to conclude the day before their feast.
(Cf. Matthew 2:13-18)
Imprimatur: (2009) Jaime Soto, Bishop of Sacramento
