Intercession

May each person suffering from the loss of a child through abortion find hope and healing in Christ.

Prayers

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection

Countless children’s lives have been ended by abortion, and countless parents and family members suffer guilt, grief, and regret – often in silence. Yet God’s greatest desire is to forgive. No matter how far we have strayed from His side, He says to us, “Don’t be afraid. Draw close to my heart.” Be assured that it is never too late to seek God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son. After repenting of sinning against his father, he returns from far away to seek forgiveness and work as a servant. But his father sees him approaching, runs to warmly embrace him, and hosts a banquet to celebrate his return. So, too, does God welcome all His children who come to Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation with contrite hearts, no matter how serious the sin. Let us turn confidently to Our Lord, Who is love and mercy.

Act of Reparation

• Stay off your phone or social media for one hour – or maybe even the whole day. Spend some of that time praying with the reflection above, or with today’s Gospel.

Gospel Reflection

We meet the apostles James and John seeking positions of importance. Jesus makes it clear that he came to be of service to us, and that it entailed suffering for our sake. May all who are suffering the loss of a child due to abortion be consoled by the sacrifice of Jesus who came among us in fulfilment of the promise of the Suffering Servant. (Mark 10: 32-45)
Bishop Martin Hayes, Bishop of Kilmore – Ireland

Rachel’s Vineyard

Read the personal stories of healing from Rachel’s vineyard’s website to gain an understanding of the pain and also the healing that is possible after an abortion.

If a friend confided in you that she had an abortion, remember to listen and respond in a way that brings her closer to healing and forgiveness and perhaps gently suggest to her to reach out to Rachel’s Vineyard for help.

—–

Day six – Mothers Choosing Adoption

—–

Intercessions and Reflections provided by Pray for Life

—–

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

The Hail Mary

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Glory be to the Father

Glory be to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning
is now, and ever shall be
world without end. Amen.

Related