Prayerful Remembrance

Each year as the anniversary of Roe v. Wade approaches, the truth that the wounds of abortion impact each of us in our respective communities manifests itself anew and in an ever more vigorous way far beyond those directly involved in the act of abortion itself.  Whether it be one’s co-worker, one’s neighbor, friend, relative, fellow parishioner, – we have all been affected by the loss of each child aborted and the often hidden suffering of their post-abortive parents.

An Afternoon of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession (APRI) is, as its name suggests, a prayer service created in the spirit of the New Evangelization, for the entire local community. Acknowledging abortion’s universal impact through reflections and testimonies offered as part of the day, the prayer service offers the opportunity for all of us to come together in an extended period of prayer, contemplation, and intercession in the context of the Church’s Sacraments, seeking forgiveness and healing for our entire nation. This day of prayer includes an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a period of silent Eucharistic Adoration, and concludes with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

What Does the Day of Prayerful Remembrance Entail?

• The prayer service is 3 hours in duration and can be held in the morning or afternoon.
• It begins with an introduction by the organizer providing a brief overview of the service.
• The Priest then processes to altar while the congregation sings an appropriate entrance chant/song.  He then offers a prayer for the day.
• Next, a brief talk (approximately 15 min) is given by a post-abortion speaker on “The Far Reaching Impact of Abortion on Family, Friends, and Society.” The speaker concludes the presentation with an explanation of what is to immediately follow.
• Individual Testimonials and Intercessory Prayer
• A Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows consisting of:
  • The main priest celebrant for the day offering a short reflection (10min) on the notion of Reconciliation as it pertains to the spirit of the day. Then recitation of 5 decades of the Rosary and the remainder of the time spent in silent adoration.  Confessions are available all throughout the Holy Hour. The Hour concludes with Benediction and Reposition. The altar is then made ready for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
• The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass concludes the day. The Mass is taken from the Lectionary: Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions, #IV for Particular Needs, #40 For Forgiveness of Sins.

Interested in hosting your own Prayerful Remembrance  & Intercession service?  Contact Lumina at (877) 586-4621 to obtain the Resource Manual.  The Resource Manual contains all the materials necessary for promoting and coordinating the day including sample bulletin announcements and flyers, sample talks, testimonies, intercessory prayers as well as a sample program.