Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life

Click here for this week's prayer from the USCCB for the Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life.

Reminder: 40 Days for Life

Just a friendly reminder that "40 Days for Life" begins September 26.  More information, including the sites local vigils across the country,  is available here. 

ACS Prays for Peace

Thanks to Sister Joseph Spring for sharing the following:

Students of Assumption College for Sisters Celebrate the International Day of Peace

On September 21,  international resident students of Assumption College for Sisters (ACS), Denville, gathered in the convent chapel to participate in a special prayer commemorating the International Day of Peace.  The altar was surrounded by flags representing the countries of origin of the resident students.

After an explanation of the day was given by Sister Joseph Spring, President, students alternated in reading quotes of peace from many people around the world and throughout history. At the conclusion of the prayer, ACS faculty member, Jean Wedemeier, explained and distributed mission rosaries that she herself made, reminding the students and those assembled, that only through prayer will world peace be achieved.

The International Day of Peace was created in 1981 when the United Nations resolved to observe September 21 each year for the purpose of fostering peace throughout the world through focusing on common goals, alleviating tensions and recognizing causes of conflict. The previous UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has used the International Day of Peace to call for a nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. UN member states have also been urged to commemorate the International Day of Peace with a global ceasefire in any sort of warfare that they are engaged in.  By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged all of humankind to work in cooperation for this goal.

To inaugurate the day, the "Peace Bell" is rung at UN Headquarters. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents. It was given as a gift by the Diet of Japan, and is referred to as "a reminder of the human cost of war." The inscription on its side reads: "Long live absolute world peace."

Pictured here from left to right are the international resident students who have come to Assumption College for Sisters for the first time this year:  Sister Maria Hoa Thi An Bui, SPP (Vietnam); Sister Maria Atai Agnes Ongodia, IHMR (Uganda);  Sister Yosari Magdalena Menjivar Diaz, OMO (el Salvador); Sister Donatha Gerard, FSSB (Tanzania); Sister Maria Jesca Lucy Alitubeera, IHMR (Uganda); Sister Maria Yen Thi Hai Cao, SPP (Vietnam).

Assumption College for Sisters is a two-year Sister Formation College, the only one of its kind in the United States.  For more information, visit www.acs350.org.

Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life

Click here for this week's prayer from the USCCB for the Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life.

International Day of Peace

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed on September 21.  The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among nations.  Would you like to share with us (in the comment section) how you will observe the International Day of Peace?

Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life

Click here for the prayer from the USCCB for this week's Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life.

This is My Wish

Today as we pause to remember those who were/are affected by the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the United States, let us remember our commitment to bringing peace on earth, beginning with ourselves.  "Voctave," an 11-member singing group from central Florida, has recorded "This is my Wish/Let There Be Peace on Earth" (video is  here and embedded below).  The four minutes it takes to listen to the song could be our prayer for today:  "This is my wish, my wish for the world, that peace would find its way to every boy and girl.  This is the time, the time for harmony.  Let love be the song that everybody sees. Fill the air with joyful noise, ring the bells and raise your voice:  Let there be peace on earth, . . ."

Prayers for 9/11

As we pause to remember the anniversary of the terror attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, we renew our commitment to non-violence in our world.  Some prayer resources for 9/11 are available here ("A Prayer of Remembrance, Comfort and Hope") and here (from the USCCB).  On the 11th of each month, the Western Region of the Sisters of Christian Charity provides a prayer/reflection for an end to violence (available here).

Some general intercessions suggested by the USCCB:

• For the Church, that she may continue to provide care and healing for all, especially those affected by the attacks on September 11, 2001, . . . 
• For all victims of violence and terrorism around the world, and for their families, that they may find comfort and peace, . . . 
• For the safety of our service men and women abroad, for civil servants who protect us and keep us safe, and for all who live with war and violence, . . .
• For our leaders and for the leaders of nations, that they may work together to address the problems that provide fertile ground for the growth of terrorism, . . . 
• For the ability to forgive and for an end to hatred, beginning in our own hearts, . . . 

Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life

Click here for today's prayer from the USCCB for the Novena for the Legal Protection of Human Life.

Stop Trafficking Newsletter

The September issue of Stop Trafficking is available here. 

Labor Day Statement and Prayers

The Labor Day 2018 Statement of the USCCB, "Just Wages and Human Flourishing," is available here.   Prayer aids and supplemental materials for Labor Day are available here.  Some of the intercessions provided at this link are:

We pray for the men, women and children who must work in jobs that ignore the dignity of their personhood.

We pray for men and women who are not able to find jobs, for their continued perseverance and determination as they continue to seek ways in which to participate in God's creation and work.

We pray for the men and women who own companies, who lead companies and who make decisions regarding safe work conditions and adequate wages, that they will act in the best interest of their laborers.

We pray for union leaders, national and local, who are responsible for speaking for workers, that they may be guided by the grace and wisdom of the Holy Spirit to be servant leaders.

We pray for men, women and children who suffer from our lack of solidarity in their daily struggle to survive.  May we be aware of our responsibility to be in relationship with our brothers and sisters in the world.

We pray as we are reminded that it is right and just to receive a fair wage for work, that we may strive to promote dignity and respect for all in the workplace.

We pray for those who have lost their lives while working, that they might be welcomed into the heavenly kingdom and that their families might be comforted and find security.