Archbishop Aquila Invites Colorado Catholics to Pray for Life in National Novena

Beginning October 22, Catholics are encouraged to join the national Respect Life Novena and unite their prayers for the unborn, the vulnerable and all those affected by abortion.

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In a state where abortion remains heartbreakingly prevalent, Catholics in Colorado are being called once again to stand in prayerful witness for the sanctity of every human life. Beginning Wednesday, October 22, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) invites the faithful across the country to participate in the Respect Life Novena — nine days of intentional prayer, reflection and action for the protection of life from conception to natural death.

This year’s novena arrives at a crucial time. Colorado continues to see some of the most permissive abortion laws in the nation, and proposals to expand abortion access even further continue to threaten the dignity of the unborn. In the face of such darkness, the Church offers not despair, but hope rooted in prayer — a hope that proclaims the inherent worth of every human person, created in the image and likeness of God.

A Simple Yet Powerful Way to Witness for Life

The Respect Life Novena is offered annually by the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, and provides daily prayers, Scripture reflections and suggested actions to foster a deeper conversion of heart. Each day focuses on a specific intention — from protection for the unborn to healing for those wounded by abortion — inviting participants to unite their prayers with the universal Church.

Delivered conveniently to participants’ inboxes, the novena is easy to follow whether prayed individually, with family or in parish communities. Each reflection can be completed in just a few minutes, yet it becomes a powerful witness when joined to the thousands of voices lifting prayers for life across the country.

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila is encouraging the faithful in the Archdiocese of Denver to take part in this year’s novena, joining their prayers to the Church’s broader movement to foster a culture of life in Colorado. On the fourth day of the novena, Saturday, October 25, Archbishop Aquila himself will be leading a Eucharistic procession around the Denver Planned Parenthood facility, further amplifying the Church's prayer and witness, and advocating for a culture of life.

A Culture of Prayer Amid a Culture of Death

Pope St. John Paul II often reminded the Church that the greatest battle for life begins not in politics or law, but in the human heart. In a culture increasingly marked by the commodification of life and the denial of human dignity, prayer is the first and most vital act.

The Respect Life Novena helps Catholics keep that focus — reminding us that every human life, from the most vulnerable child in the womb to the elderly person nearing death, bears the face of Christ. It is a time to intercede for mothers and fathers, lawmakers, healthcare providers, and all those whose decisions affect the most vulnerable.

Join the Novena

The novena begins Wednesday and runs through Thursday, Oct. 30. To sign up and receive the daily prayers by email, visit the USCCB's website.

Together, let us answer Archbishop Aquila’s invitation and join thousands of Catholics across the country in this sacred mission of prayer and hope. May our united petitions open hearts, heal wounds, and help transform our culture into one that cherishes every human life — from conception to natural death.