September 28, 2022 | Organizations and advocates across the globe celebrate World Day Against the Death Penalty on October 10. Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN) — the national Catholic organization working to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice — approaches this worldwide celebration in a unique way: through the powerful lens of prayer.
World Day Against the Death Penalty is situated providentially in the midst of Respect Life Month, a U.S.-based dedication to efforts that uplift the dignity of life.
This year, CMN invites Catholics to bridge these two powerful celebrations of life by joining in a Novena to End the Death Penalty from October 1–9, to pray for all of those who are affected by capital punishment in fervent hope that this death-dealing practice will soon be no more.
This dual commemoration of Respect Life Month and the World Day Against the Death Penalty follows a month of prayer dedicated for the global abolition of the death penalty, which was initiated by Pope Francis in his September prayer intention:
“Let us pray that the death penalty, which attacks the dignity of the human person, may be legally abolished in every country.”
Capital punishment is an often-overlooked "life issue" for Catholics, but it remains a direct threat to human dignity. This October is an important moment to answer the invitation to action, and to carry our death penalty abolition prayers into Respect Life Month.
Download the Novena to End the Death Penalty (English | Spanish)
Download social media posts for the Novena (English | Spanish)
Click here to access a toolkit to support your education, advocacy, and prayer throughout this Respect Life Month.
Finally, on October 10, 2022, Catholic Mobilizing Network will celebrate World Day Against the Death Penalty with Justice Reimagined Awards & Celebration, hosted at the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Washington, DC.
