‘9 Days for Life’ is a Digital Pilgrimage

It will be a few years before I find myself at either the March for Life in Washington, D.C., or the Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco. Though I may long to go, it’s just not feasible for my state in life.

But, thanks to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I can make a digital pilgrimage and unite my prayers with those of others around the country and the world in a novena to end abortion.

From January 17-25, the bishops are inviting all Catholics to make a nine-day digital pilgrimage. This “9 Days for Life” is for the protection of life at all stages. This nine day period is significant, because it’s surrounding the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, that legalized abortion in the U.S.

The fact that it’s a pilgrimage sets it apart from many other novenas. Each day will have intentions, and also reflections and suggested acts of reparation. Pilgrims seek to grow spiritually during their journey, and this nine-day journey will seek to help participants “foster a deeper understanding of the value of life” even while it “encourages [them] to continue to pray, support, and advocate for life long after the pilgrimage’s end,” according to the USCCB promotional material I received.

The bishops have put together quite an arsenal of resources. There are Facebook elements, including a page with updates, an event to join, and cover and profile photos. 

There’s an app that’s available on both Apple and Android and will alert you for each day’s prayers, reflections, and acts of reparation.

Not into all of that? You can sign up and get the alerts via text message and/or by email at the 9 Days for Life website.

You may also opt to join online, where you’ll be able to follow along each day or print the entire novena.

Life’s worth making a pilgrimage for, even if I don’t leave my house. Thanks to the U.S. Bishops, we can!