Pope Francis’ intention in September for communal prayer around the globe is for the worldwide abolition of the death penalty – a prayer especially poignant here in the United States. Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN) is working in collaboration with the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network to spread Pope Francis’ September intention far and wide in the U.S.

Bishop Walkowiak invites Catholics and all people of goodwill around the diocese to join in and help bolster this prayer effort during September and into October, when the Church in the U.S. observes Respect Life Month. Please include this intention in your daily prayers, share on social media, and join in opportunities for (online) communal prayer shared below.

Communal Prayer Opportunities

Saturday, Oct. 1 – Sunday, Oct. 9 – Novena for the Abolition of the Death Penalty

From Oct. 1 – 9, join in a novena for the abolition of the death penalty leading up to the World Day Against the Death Penalty on Oct. 10. Pledge to pray/Sign up to receive the daily novena prayers.

Daily Novena Prayers (downloadable PDF’s) (English | Español)
Daily Novena Graphics for social media (downloadable PNG’s) (English | Español)

Friday, Sept. 2, 2 p.m. ET – First Friday Prayer Vigil with Catholic Mobilizing Network

Watch Prayer Vigil Video (Facebook)
CMN joined Pope Francis’ intention and commenced the special month of prayer with an online prayer vigil to pray for all of those scheduled for execution in this upcoming month, for their victims and their families, and for all who are harmed by this machinery of death.

Additional Resources

Resources from Catholic Mobilizing Network – Mobilize Mercy

Pope’s Video and Mobilize Mercy Toolkit
Pope’s Prayer Video Quote Graphics for social media (downloadable PNG’s) (English | Español)

Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network
September Intention Reflection and Video

USCCB:
Questions & Answers:
Death PenaltyAdditional Q&A
Death Penalty – Capital Punishment
The Church’s Anti-Death Penalty Position

CMN:
Catholic teaching on the death penalty (English & Español)
The status of the death penalty in the U.S.
The status of the death penalty around the world

Learn about, volunteer with: Prison & Jail Ministry in the diocese