Prayers and Vigils

This prayer service focuses on the life and ministry of St. Maximilian Kolbe, patron saint of prisoners and the pro-life movement. Lifting up the work of all pro-life advocates, the service highlights in a particular way our shared Catholic call to end the use of the death penalty. 

This reflection is perfect to use with groups or as a personal tool throughout Lent. Including both prayer and informative statistics about the death penalty, this reflection is a great way to mark events of Good Friday. 

Click the "resource attachment" link below to download this PDF.

The devotion to our Lady Undoer of Knots began in the 2nd century with St. Irenaeus. He wrote, "The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by the obedience of Mary; what the virgin Eve bound by her unbelief, the Virgin Mary loosened by her faith.”

With this Novena, we pray for Mary, our Advocate, and Helper in moments of affliction, to intercede on our behalf and undo the Knot of an impending execution. 

Click the "resource attachment" link below to download this PDF.

This youth prayer service focuses on forgiveness & human dignity as a way to introduce young people to Christ's teaching on mercy and forgiveness.  

Padre Misericordioso,
Te pedimos que bendigas todo lo que hacemos para
construir una cultura de paz. Escucha nuestra oración
por los que afectados por la pena de muerte.

Oramos por todas las personas, para que sus vidas y su
dignidad de hijos/as de un Dios amante de la vida sean
respectadas y protegidas en todo momento
y en toda circumstancia.

Oramos por las víctimas de la violencia y sus familias, para
que nuestro amor las sostenga y encuentren conforto
en tu compasión y en la promesa de vida eterna.

This bilingual resource to assist those planning prayer vigils in states where condemned prisoners are to be executed. Although it is specifically worded for a vigil on the night before or day of a scheduled execution, it is easily adaptable to other times.