Day One: 9 Days for Life Mass

Join the USCCB and dioceses across the country in praying for the protection of human life through the 9 Days for Life Mass on Jan. 21 at noon in Corpus Christi Cathedral.

The Diocese of Corpus Christi also will be celebrating daily Mass in union with the 9 Days for Life Novena. You are invited to attend daily Mass to pray for the protection of human life from Thursday, Jan. 21 through Friday, Jan. 29.

Each of the Masses will be livestreamed and available to view on  www.facebook.com/DioceseOfCorpusChristi.

Additionally, Bishops across the country will be leading live-streamed holy hours for their respective diocese throughout the night of Jan. 28 until the morning of Jan. 29 in conjunction with the 9 Days for Life Novena. Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody will lead the Holy Hour for the Diocese of Corpus Christi on Friday, Jan. 29 from 6 -7 a.m. at the Corpus Christi Cathedral. People are invited to attend this Holy Hour as well, and it will be televised on EWTN at 6 a.m. Central Time.

Day One: Thursday, Jan. 21:

Intercession: May the tragic practice of abortion end.

Prayers: Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection: At every stage and in every circumstance, we are held in existence by God’s love. The presence of an illness, disability, or other challenging situation never diminishes the value of a human life. God does not call us to perfection of appearance or abilities, but to perfection in love. Christ invites us to embrace our own lives and the lives of others as true gifts. 

Abortion tragically rejects the truth that every life is a good and perfect gift, deserving protection. This violent practice ends the life of a human being at its very beginning and horribly wounds all those involved. But Christ came that we “might have lifeand have it more abundantly” (John 10:10), taking on human flesh for the sake of our redemption. May our culture experience the power of God’s transforming love, that all eyes may be opened to the incredible beauty of every human life.

Acts of Reparation (Choose one.)

• Take a break from television and movies today. Consider spending some of that time praying with today’s reflection.
• Pray the short prayer “Every Life is Worth Living,” reflecting on the gift of human life. (The prayer is also available to order or download at usccb.org/worth-living.)
• Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.

One Step Further: Abortion is frequently a topic in the news, political debates, and everyday conversations with family or friends. Because abortion can be a controversial and emotional issue in any arena, many of us may feel intimidated when the topic arises, not knowing what to say. Another Look at Abortion provides a basic overview and summarizes key points. This article will help you be better prepared to witness to the sanctity of human life: respectlife.org/another-look-at-abortion.