St. Juan Diego first saw an apparition of the Blessed Mother on Tepeyac Hill, near what is now Mexico City, while on his way to Mass on Dec. 9, 1531. Read more about St. Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe at www.stlreview.com/32OoypSPhoto Credits: Miguel Cabrera (1695–1768)Catholics across the nation will petition the Blessed Mother to protect life and the family, establish peace, and renew the Church on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 8-9, for the 32nd annual National Night of Prayer for Life.
The annual evening of prayer spans the feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8, and the anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s first apparition to St. Juan Diego on Dec. 9.
Catholics are asked to pray for the unborn, an end to abortion and for protection of the sanctity of human life.
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in 1531 (then celebrated on Dec. 9), Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas and the unborn, first appeared to St. Juan Diego. During a special Hour of Unity from 11 p.m. until midnight (St. Louis time), churches across the country and the world will unite in prayer to end abortion, and to restore God’s blessings.
The National Night of Prayer for Life includes adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Rosary, prayer to St. Michael, silent prayer and hymns.
Parishes in the archdiocese hosting special prayer times:
• Assumption, 4725 Mattis Road in south St. Louis County; Hour of Unity Dec. 8 from 11 p.m.-midnight. The hour will include eucharistic adoration and a Rosary in commemoration of human life, and will conclude with Benediction.
• Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd. in St. Louis; 5:30 p.m. Mass, followed by a Holy Hour with eucharistic adoration, silent prayer, Gospel readings and Litany for Life.
• Holy Infant, 627 Dennison Drive in Ballwin; 7 p.m. Mass Dec. 8, followed by Rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet and litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• Holy Redeemer, 17 Joy Ave. in Webster Groves; 7 p.m. Mass Dec. 8, followed by a prayer service led by Deacon Pat Waldschmidt.
• St. Clement of Rome, 1510 Bopp Road in Des Peres, will offer an evening of prayer in the eucharistic adoration chapel from 7 p.m. Dec. 8 until midnight Dec. 9.
• St. Cletus, 2705 Zumbehl Road in St. Charles; 7 p.m. Mass, followed by recitation of the Rosary.
• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 2 Seton Court in St. Charles, 6:15 p.m. Mass Dec. 8, followed by the Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet in the church. The chapel will be open for prayers.
• St. Gabriel, 6303 Nottingham Ave. in St. Louis; 6 p.m. Mass Dec. 8, followed by the Rosary, litany and prayers for life.
• Sts. Joachim and Ann, 4112 McClay Road in St. Charles, will have 7 p.m. Mass Dec. 8, followed by adoration until midnight on Dec. 9.
• St. John Paul II, 4980 Heege Road in Affton; exposition of the Blessed Sacrament beginning at 9 p.m. Dec. 8, and will include the Rosary, chaplet of Divine Mercy and the Prayer to St. Michael recited each hour. The evening will end with Benediction at midnight. There will be a special prayer intention for an affirmative decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 1.
• St. Joseph, 1355 Motherhead Road in Cottleville, will host three hours of prayer and adoration from 9 p.m.-midnight Dec. 8. Every hour, someone will lead the Rosary in the adoration chapel. All are encouraged to stay for silent prayer and adoration.
Other parishes may be open in the evening regularly for
private prayer and/or eucharistic adoration.
Please contact your parish for further information.