Nationwide Invitation to Prayer

Calling on St. Joseph as Defender of Life

On March 25th our council held a Rosary for Life on the 29th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s pro-life encyclical Evangelium Vitae (Gospel of Life). The same day the president of the USCCB, His Eminence Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, and chairman of the USCCB committee on Pro-Life Activities, His Eminence Bishop Michael F. Burbridge, announced a Nationwide Invitation to Prayer. The next day the US Supreme Court heard arguments on the legality of the chemical abortion pill, Mifepristone. This is certainly a time for prayer.

During our Rosary for Life we started with the Prayer for Radical Solidarity then went into the five joyful mysteries focusing on the prayer intentions below. We ended with the new USCCB prayer to St. Joseph Defender of Life.

Rosary for Life Intentions

• For parents facing an unexpected pregnancy, that they lovingly accept the precious life God has entrusted to their care
• That the family and friends of expectant parents might reach out and support them as they prepare to meet their child face to face
• That the love of the Blessed Mother and the Christ Child may be a source of strength for every expectant mother, especially mothers living in poverty, and that they both will be surrounded by joy and love
• That fathers of young children will model St. Joseph in devoutly practicing their faith, so that they lead their children to God by their words and example
• For all children who have been lost and forgotten, that they may be led to a place where they are treasured, protected and loved.

The St. Joseph Defender of Life prayer was released by the USCCB in 2021. It focuses on Joseph as step-father and earthly protector of our Lord. St. Joseph has always been a powerful saint for Catholics, especially men, and even more fathers. St. Joseph is a prime example of what it mean to be a man and father. The USCCB asks that the faithful pray the St. Joseph Defender of Life prayer daily from March 25th to the end of June when a decision will be released on the Supreme Court case regarding Mifepristone.

The full Rosary of Life program can be found on the USCCB Rosary for Life web page.

St. Joseph Defender of Life Prayer

Dearest St. Joseph, at the word of an angel, you lovingly took Mary into your home. As God’s
humble servant, you guided the Holy Family on the road to Bethlehem, welcomed Jesus as your own son
in the shelter of a manger, and fled far from your homeland for the safety of both Mother and Child. We
praise God that as their faithful protector, you never hesitated to sacrifice for those entrusted to you. May
your example inspire us also to welcome, cherish, and safeguard God’s most precious gift of life. Help us
to faithfully commit ourselves to the service and defense of human life —especially where it is vulnerable
or threatened. Obtain for us the grace to do the will of God in all things. Amen.

USCCB