Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

As you know, the recent leak of a draft opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case that could overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, allowing states the freedom once again to pass their own legislation regarding abortion, has been met with hostility by those who favor legalized abortion. In addition to calls for nationwide demonstrations, some have called for disruption of church services and personal intimidation of Supreme Court justices. 

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, have invited the faithful to unite in fasting and prayer, and I make that invitation my own here in the Diocese of Duluth. 

Here is their statement: 

In the midst of current tensions, we invite Catholics around the country to join us in fasting and praying the Rosary on Friday, May 13, the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima. Let us offer our prayers and fasting for these intentions: 

• For our nation, for the integrity of our judicial system, and that all branches of government be dedicated to seeking the common good and protecting the dignity and rights of the human person, from conception to natural death. 

• For the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in the Supreme Court’s final decision in Dobbs v. Jackson. 

• For the conversion of the hearts and minds of those who advocate for abortion. 

• For a new commitment to building an America where children are welcomed, cherished, and cared for; where mothers and fathers are encouraged and strengthened; and where marriage and the family are recognized and supported as the true foundations of a healthy and flourishing society. 

• For Our Blessed Mother’s intercession and guidance as the Church continues to walk with mothers and families in need, and continues to promote alternatives to abortion, and seeks to create a culture of life. 

As Catholics, let us witness to the beautiful gift of life with civility and love, and with our peaceful prayers and our compassionate service to all those in need. 

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us. 

I invite you to join in this prayer and fasting both individually and within your parish communities, for instance before or after daily Mass, and that you please pass this invitation along on social media and other communication platforms. I also ask, in a particular way, that as we pray for an end to the grave injustice of legalized abortion, we also pray earnestly for ongoing support for pregnant mothers in need. As I said in a January column in the Duluth News Tribune, a Minnesota in which no pregnant mother feels so desperate that abortion looks like the only way out of a crisis is a better Minnesota. Let’s leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that our care for human life truly extends from conception to natural death.