For you created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well!
(Psalm 139:13,14)

Novena Day 1:
Today, the 14th of January, is the 1st of 9 days towards the 22nd January. The 22nd January is the day America legalised abortion, 40 years ago. Since then, as we all know, millions of children are being aborted - brutally killed, before they are even given the chance to be born. In the Church, we often pray Novenas and today, being the 1st of 9 days towards the 22nd is the right day to start a Novena for the Unborn and an end to abortion.
These 9 days are a reminder of the 9 months a child usually lives in the womb before he or she is born and during these nine days, let us pray - sincerely and with faith - for an end to abortion.

Reflection: Lord Jesus, we know that we were formed in our mother's womb. We know that there is not a "mass of tissues" or a "blob" when a woman is pregnant. We know Lord, that It is a child - a girl or a boy - held and growing within an expecting mother: a beautiful child whom You have created in Your Image and Likeness. Lord Jesus, help us defend these young unborn!

Today, think of and remember unborn children. Ask God to protect each one that each one may have the opportunity to be born, held and kissed by his or her mother.

Prayer:
God and Father of Life, You have created every human person, and have opened the way for each to have eternal life. We live in the shadow of death. Tens of millions of your children have been killed because of the Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion. Father, have mercy on us. Heal our world and accept our offering of prayer and penance.

In your love for us, turn back the scourge of abortion. May each of us exult in hearts full of hope and hands full of mercy and work together to build a culture of life.
We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen.