Local Catholics urged to join others nationwide in prayer, fasting on May 13

The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland will be joining Catholics around the country in prayer and fasting on May 13, the memorial of Our Lady of Fatima. The initiative was proposed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

The faithful can click here to pray a rosary for life the afternoon of May 13.

“Let us peacefully and prayerfully ask for Our Blessed Mother’s intercession and guidance as the Church continues to compassionately walk with mothers, families and all those in need as we all join together to strive to create a culture of life,” said Mary von Carlowitz, director of the diocesan Office for Human Life.

Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez, USCCB president, and Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, suggested the day of prayer and fasting. It is in response to growing tensions across the country after the leak of a draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case that is before the Supreme Court of the United States. Oral arguments were heard late last year and a decision is expected in late June or early July. If the leaked draft decision holds, the issue of abortion could be returned to the states.

After the leak, some abortion advocates called for nationwide demonstrations, disruptions of church services and the personal intimidation of specific Supreme Court justices.

Archbishop Gomez and Archbishop Lori are urging the faithful to remain peaceful and prayerful and to unite in fasting and prayer.

“In the midst of current tensions, we invite Catholics around the country to join us in fasting and praying the rosary on Friday, May 13, the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima,” they said. “Let us offer our prayers and fasting for these intentions:

• For our nation, for the integrity of our judicial system, and that all branches of government be dedicated to seeking the common good and protecting the dignity and rights of the human person, from conception to natural death.
• For the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in the Supreme Court’s final decision in Dobbs v. Jackson.
• For the conversion of the hearts and minds of those who advocate for abortion.
• For a new commitment to building an America where children are welcomed, cherished and cared for; where mothers and fathers are encouraged and strengthened; and where marriage and the family are recognized and supported as the true foundations of a healthy and flourishing society.
• For Our Blessed Mother’s intercession and guidance as the Church continues to walk with mothers and families in need, and continues to promote alternatives to abortion and seeks to create a culture of life.

“As Catholics, let us witness to the beautiful gift of life with civility and love, and with our peaceful prayers and our compassionate service to all those in need,” they said in a statement, adding, “Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.”