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Catholic Mobilizing Network, an organization dedicated to ending the use of the death penalty and reforming the criminal justice system in the United States, invites people to join them in the annual Novena to End the Death Penalty.
The novena began on October 1, the first day of Respect Life Month, and continues until October 10, the annual World Day Against the Death Penalty, said the organization's website. Those interested in joining in prayer can begin any day.
Each day of the novena features a different intention.
The first day, participants are asked to pray "For those who have been executed, their lives deemed unworthy by the state, Lord we pray, have mercy. Open our eyes to the inherent dignity of all people, regardless of the harm they have suffered or caused."
On day two, the intention is for "victims of violence and their families;" day three "for those on death row;" day four "for those who work in prisons and are tasked with killing in the name of the state;" day five "for communities that are disproportionately affected by capital punishment;" day six "for judges, juries, parole boards, and others in positions of power who make life-or-death decisions."
On day seven, the intention is "those on death row who are innocent, convicted of crimes they did not commit;" day eight "for elected officials who have the power to reform our criminal legal system," and finally on day nine "all people of goodwill, including each of us who advocates for an end to the death penalty."
The full text of the intentions can be found on the Catholic Mobilizing Network's website. The novena also includes "A Prayer for Justice" composed by anti-death penalty activist Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ.
Daily novena prayers:
Opening Prayer:
O God, you envision for us a justice that emulates your mercy and healing. But too often we choose retribution over repair and relationship. Guide us in our work to abolish the death penalty. Through your grace, may we discard this violent practice which falls short of your perfect vision, and create in its place a justice that honors the human dignity of all.
Daily Intention:
(See above)
A Prayer for Justice by Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ:
God of Compassion, You let your rain fall on the just and the unjust. Expand and deepen our hearts so that we may love as You love, even those among us who have caused the greatest pain by taking life. For there is in our land a great cry for vengeance as we fill up death row and kill the killers in the name of justice, in the name of peace. Jesus, our brother, you suffered execution at the hands of the state but you did not let hatred overcome you. Help us to reach out to victims of violence so that our enduring love may help them heal. Holy Spirit of God, You strengthen us in the struggle for justice. Help us to work tirelessly for the abolition of state-sanctioned death and to renew our society in its very heart so that violence will be no more.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Executed Christ, have mercy on us.
Amen.
