Fasting, prayer, penance and works of mercy

The following is a December 13 letter from Bishop Jaime Soto of the Sacramento Diocese:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

January 22, 2017 marks the 44th anniversary of the lamentable 1973 U.S. Supreme Court Decision, Roe v. Wade.

Since the date falls on a Sunday, the observance is moved to Monday, January 23rd. I designate that day as a Diocesan Day of Reparation.

I ask the clergy and laity to join me in cooperating with God’s merciful grace in these ways:

January 22: clergy are asked to 1) pray and preach for a merciful end to abortion and a revived promotion of the gospel of life, and 2) encourage all to observe the January 23 Diocesan Day of Reparation.

January 23: all are asked to observe this Day of Reparation through fasting, prayer, penance and works of mercy.

January 23: all are invited to attend the 12:10 p.m Cathedral Mass.

January 21: all are encouraged to participate in the Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco

Further details about these and other related events can be found here [scroll down].

The USCCB has prepared a variety of prayers and other helpful resources to assist in observing the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Please review them at: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/resources/january-22-day-of-prayer-leaderresources.cfm This observance will fall only a few days after the inauguration of the new president, President-elect Donald Trump.

Even now, we should make intercession for the newly elected president, his administration, the Congress and members of the Supreme Court. May our prayers, acts of penance, public witness and works of charity on these days help restore a culture of life and a civilization of love to our country, so marred by the Court decision of Roe v. Wade and other assaults on human dignity.

May the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary bring us into fuller communion with the merciful mission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

+Jaime Soto

Bishop of Sacramento