Diocese to mark Roe v Wade anniversary with Day of Prayer and Fasting to end abortion

Members of the Catholic community and people of good will across the nation will observe a Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Jan. 22, the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the United States.

New Jersey’s Catholic bishops, including Trenton’s Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., formally acknowledged this special observance in a letter issued Jan. 5, in which they write: ”As we mark this tragic event in our nation’s history, we remember the millions of lives lost to abortion and pray for the mothers and fathers left to suffer the tragic effects.
“The Catholic Church is committed to protecting all life from conception to natural death. We will work vigorously to ensure the laws of our state and country protect and defend the intrinsic dignity of all people.” To view the full letter, click  HERE.

Bishop O’Connell called upon his flock to take part in this prayerful observance, and asked parishes throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties to celebrate Masses for this intention. The event is part of January’s month-long prayer campaign to end abortion, which also includes a daily recitation of the Rosary; a Novena to St. Joseph to End Abortion, and a videotaped Mass of Thanksgiving to God for the Gift of Human Life, celebrated by the Bishop, which will begin streaming Jan. 29 in lieu of the March for Life in Washington, D.C.  Click HERE for details on the month-long prayer campaign.  

In Trenton, St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral will celebrate Mass Jan. 22 at 9:30 a.m. Msgr. Joseph Roldan, Cathedral rector and principal celebrant, invites those who will be attending the Rally for Life to begin their day with Mass. The peaceful outdoor rally, coordinated by New Jersey Right to Life, will start at 11 a.m. outside the State House Annex.  Mass-goers will be screened for fever upon entry to the Cathedral; masks are required, and social distancing will be strictly enforced. The Cathedral is located at 151 North Warren Street.

For more information and multimedia coverage of these scheduled events, stay connected with www.TrentonMonitor.com.