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Catholic Democrats
@catholicdems.bsky.social
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Catholic voice in Democratic Party; Democratic voice in the Catholic community. Promoting Catholic Social Justice Tradition in Democratic Party & public square.
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TODAY'S GOSPEL - THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP
God's Mercy & Our Infinite Human Dignity Can Unite Us

In #Advent we wait – but today’s Gospel reminds us that God doesn’t. The #GoodShepherd searches before we even know we’re lost. One wandering soul is worth the whole journey,...
On the top, an icon-style painting depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd, wearing a red robe and gently carrying a small white sheep across His shoulders. Tall, slender trees rise behind Him against a textured blue sky. Below the image, large red text reads, “And if he finds it….” On the right, beneath the line of scripture, is the Vatican News logo. In the left bottom corner, smaller text notes: “Reading of the Day – Gospel of the Day, Mt 18:12–14.”
December 10, 2025 at 2:45 AM
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... to instill us with virtues that will lead us to be a more united Church and a more united society.

#ImmaculateConception #VirginMary #HailMary #QueenOfHeavenAndEarth #Holiness #UnityInVirtue #UnityInFaith #JubileeYearOfHope #JubileeYear2025 2 of 2
On a soft cream background, the title reads: “Intercessory Litany to Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth,” with the subtitle “Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception” in italics. The text of the prayer reads: “Holy Mary, Mother of God and Mother of us all, on this feast of your Immaculate Conception, we turn to you with hopeful hearts and trusting outstretched hands. You who said yes without hesitation – teach us humility, that we may place God’s will before our own. You who received every blessing as pure grace – teach us gratitude, that we may recognize God’s gifts through the noise and difficulties of our lives.” The bottom of the image reads “1 of 4.” On a cream background, the title reads: “Intercessory Litany to Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth (continued).” The slide continues the litany: “You who carried the world’s Redeemer in hope – teach us hope, when our confidence falters and the world feels heavy. You who stood at the Cross without bitterness – teach us mercy, that we may forgive as freely as your Son forgives us. You who gather all peoples beneath your mantle – teach us courage, that we may stand firm as beacons of truth and love that will not be dimmed by the darkness we too often encounter.” The bottom of the image reads “2 of 4.” On a cream background, the title reads: “Intercessory Litany to Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth (continued).” The litany continues: “As we grow in these virtues, pray that we may live them generously in our daily lives – for the good of all, for the strengthening of our faith, and to become a Church more united and a society that dares to embrace unity. Mary, Mother of Peace, intercede for a world torn by violence and fear. Protect the innocent, strengthen the weary, and soften the hearts of those who choose war.” The bottom of the image reads “3 of 4.” On a cream background, the title reads: “Intercessory Litany to Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth (continued).” The litany continues: And pray for us – that we may live worthily the virtues we learn from you, and that the peace of your Son, the peace the world cannot give, may settle in our hearts, guide our steps, and shape our lives toward justice, compassion, and reconciliation. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us, and for the whole world longing for peace. Amen. The bottom of the image reads “4 of 4.”
December 9, 2025 at 6:48 AM
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The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Sisters and Brothers, please pray with us as we ask for the #BlessedMother’s intercessory prayer for peace and... 1 of 2
On the left, an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary depicted with darker Middle Eastern skin, standing on solid ground. She wears a cream-colored gown with a deep blue mantle flowing from her head and shoulders. Her arms are open in a gesture of welcome, and warm golden light descends from above, illuminating her face with a gentle, Mona-Lisa-like smile. Behind her, soft clouds form a serene, heavenly backdrop. On the right, a blue panel with white text reading: “The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” Below, in gold text, is the verse: “Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.” Luke 1:28.”
December 9, 2025 at 6:48 AM
catholicdems.bsky.social
REFLECTING ON BLACK CATHOLIC HISTORY MONTH

In researching Black Catholic History Month, we came across truths that stirred our Catholic imagination. 1/13
On the left, a painted scene shows three formerly enslaved Black men and women standing together outside the wooden buildings of Fort Mose. They wear simple 18th-century clothing and smile warmly as they speak with a Spanish friar dressed in a brown habit and small circular tonsure. Behind them, a lookout tower rises above the settlement and a white Spanish colonial flag with a red cross of Burgundy waves in the breeze. On the right, text reads: “Three Freed Slaves and a Friar in Fort Mose,” followed by a short historical summary noting that St. Augustine’s early Black community of free and enslaved people helped found the town, and that Fort Mose (1738) became the first free Black settlement in what is now the United States. The attribution at the bottom reads: “Source: USCCB.”
December 1, 2025 at 7:35 AM
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May the blessings of #Thanksgiving be with you, our Church, and our nation throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. 1/3
Background: a cream colored background of a horn of plenty on a wooden table in the foreground with a filed and a tree in the background. Text overlay, left top: “Thanksgiving, then, is not just a civic holiday. It is, in the Christian imagination, a spiritual call – not only to remember the past but to live it forward. It invites us to cultivate the virtues that allow a people to flourish – not merely as a nation, but as a communion of persons rooted in grace.” Text overlay, left middle: “THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS” in white lettering with a dark gray shadow in small caps font. Text overlay, left bottom: The Catholic Democrats logo of the Lamb of Victory and the sponsoring organization’s name, Catholic Democrats. On the right: TOP - The text Thanksgiving Circle of Virtue in black small caps font with a gray shadow. CENTER - A graphic of a five thick autumnal colored braids colored woven in a circle. BOTTOM - The text, Humility ~Gratitude ~ Hope ~ Mercy ~ Unity
November 29, 2025 at 3:46 AM
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This Saudi PR campaign was
UNNECESSARY AND MOST REGRETTABLE

We acknowledge that engagement between nations in challenging situations is necessary. However, we find both the form and the praise offered in this meeting to be unnecessary and most regrettable.
In the center: Seated in front of the fireplace in the Oval Office in the White House, Donald Trump, seated in a yellow armchair, grasps Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s hand in a highly animated gesture. On the left: Members of the Saudi delegation sit inside the Oval Office, dressed in traditional attire, with cameras and staff partially visible in the foreground. On the right: American officials sit nearby as the Oval Office’s ornate gold décor, fireplace, and portrait-lined walls frame the meeting. At the bottom: A white text overlay on a black background that reads, “Trump Offers Elaborate Welcome to Saudi Crown Prince: Live Updates.”
November 19, 2025 at 5:02 AM
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CATHOLIC DEMOCRATS HONORS ALL WHO WHO SERVED 🗽
THANK YOU 🙏

Let us honor the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces of the United States by doing three things today and into the future:
A background photo of a golden sunrise casting light over a soldier walking alone on a dirt road through a field, symbolizing courage and devotion. Parts of an American flag in the golden light comes through the sunshine. At the top the words, “CATHOLIC DEMOCRATS HONORS ALL WHO SERVED” appear boldly in blue, above the central headline “VETERANS DAY” in large bronze letters with “Celebrating” and “Thank You for Your Service” above and below respectively. Across the bottom of the image are the official seals of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, and Navy. Beneath them, blue and white text reads: “THE VALUES OF THE U.S. ARMED SERVICES.” At the bottom, the following text in white, “Honor | Courage | Commitment | Duty | Integrity | Respect | Selfless Service | Loyalty | Personal Courage | Excellence | Readiness | Devotion to Duty | Teamwork | Innovation.” The overall design evokes gratitude, reverence, and unity through service and faith.
November 12, 2025 at 3:57 AM
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STATEMENT ON ENDING #SHUTDOWNV2025 & #MORALGOVERNANCE 1/14
A wide-angle photograph of the U.S. Senate chamber, empty of people, with rows of desks and blue carpet. Overlaid on the left portion of the photo of the Senate is an etching of Pope Francis looking left to right. On the right portion of the photo is a label that reads, “U.S. Senate. Beneath the Senate photo and two graphic overlays is a quote from Pope Francis that reads: “Politics, though often maligned, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good.” — Evangelii Gaudium (§205). The visual conveys a message of moral governance rooted in Catholic social teaching.
November 10, 2025 at 4:10 PM
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POPE LEO SUPPORTS IMMIGRANTS – AGAIN 🙏

This is at least the 4th or 5th time in the past month that #PopeLeoXIV has spoken publicly in support of immigrants – particularly our sisters and brothers in the United States. 1/5
A screen shot of an EWTN social media post. At the top, the playback controls and the EWTN logo. Centered in the frame is a close-up image of Pope Leo XIV speaking to reporters. He appears reflective and solemn as he speaks about the dignity of migrants. A text overlay of a subtitle partially reads, “affected by what’s going on right now. The spiritual…” The caption across the lower part of the image reads, “THE SPIRITUAL RIGHTS” in white and red text. At the top is the EWTN logo. Beneath that the headline for the text accompanying the image that reads, “Pope Leo XIV says spiritual needs of detained migrants deserve attention,” and then the date of the social media post that reads, “Nov 4, 2025.” In the middle and bottom of the graphic is the text, “Pope Leo XIV called for renewed attention to the spiritual rights of migrants in detention after Catholic leaders in Chicago were denied permission to bring Holy Communion to detainees earlier this week. “Many people who’ve lived for years and years and years, never causing problems, have been deeply affected by what’s going on right now,” Pope Leo said Nov. 4 outside Castel Gandolfo. “I would certainly invite the authorities to allow pastoral workers to attend to the needs of those people. Many times they’ve been separated from their families for a good amount of time. No one knows what’s happening, but their own spiritual needs should be attended to.” Two thick red lines frame the graphic on both sides.
November 6, 2025 at 9:20 PM
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...until he started to climb,” both a figurative and literal reference. Fr. Martin shares that he "is by no means a saint" and invites us to “step onto the Christian ladder [for which the Beatitudes are the rungs] with your eyes fixed on the heavenly court.” 8/13
The second of four images zooming in on the ornate golden arches, tall columns, and statues of saints positioned high above the nave in a grand Catholic church. The sanctuary glows warmly as light filters in from upper windows, illuminating the altar below where worshippers are gathered. At the bottom left, the logo of America Magazine including the text “America: The Jesuit Review” appears in red and black. Below that a black text banner with white text that reads, “James Martin: The Saints seemed so far away. Then I started to climb.” The third of four images zooming in on the central apse of a grand Catholic church, where the saints’ statues are now distinctly visible in alcoves. Light glows warmly around them. At the bottom left, the logo of America Magazine including the text “America: The Jesuit Review” appears in red and black. Below that a black text banner with white text that reads, “James Martin: The Saints seemed so far away. Then I started to climb.” The fourth of four images, aA close-up of the upper sanctuary reveals the statues of Jesus, Mary, and several saints bathed in gold and white light. The sacred details of the architecture are vivid, showing how near the saints have become. At the bottom left, the logo of America Magazine including the text “America: The Jesuit Review” appears in red and black. Below that a black text banner with white text that reads, “James Martin: The Saints seemed so far away. Then I started to climb.”
November 2, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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YOU ARE INVITED “Saint Next Door” [insert your name] to climb with Fr. Martin, SJ — and with us.

If ever there is a time to think of yourself as a saint, it’s this weekend – the Solemnity of All Saints Day followed by The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls). 1/13
A wide interior view of a grand Catholic church shows ornate golden arches, tall columns, and statues of saints positioned high above the nave. The sanctuary glows warmly as light filters in from upper windows, illuminating the altar below where worshippers are gathered. At the bottom left, the logo of America Magazine including the text “America: The Jesuit Review” appears in red and black. Below that a black text banner with white text that reads, “James Martin: The Saints seemed so far away. Then I started to climb.”
November 2, 2025 at 2:02 PM
catholicdems.bsky.social
🙏📿🙏📿🙏📿🙏📿🙏📿🙏📿
At the top: against a slate blue background covering the entire square graphic, white text that reads “DAY 9” at the top. Below: The message says, “May all Catholics help build a culture that cherishes every person as a precious gift from God.” At the bottom left is the white circular USCCB cross logo with the words “United States Conference of Catholic Bishops @usccb” in white.
October 31, 2025 at 8:39 AM
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Or in other words, to make the world a better place, we must pray – and pray often –...

Continue reading on the graphic 4/4 below.

#Holiness #UnityInFaith #FaithInPublicLife #FaithAndPolitics #FaithAndDemocracy #CommonGood #JubileeYear2025 6/6
White text on a dark blue background with a red border on the top and bottom. The text reads: "Or in other words, to make the world a better place, we must pray – and pray often – surrendering ourselves to God and carrying whatever cross He may ask, so that together we may work to bring God’s will to our common home. 🙏 Catholic Democrats Your Sisters and Brothers in Christ Seeking to be a resource for your journey #Holiness #SaintNextDoor #CultureOfLife #CultureOfVirtue #DignityOfLife #DignitasInfinita #ImagoDei #RespectLifeMonth #UnityInFaith #FaithInPublicLife #FaithAndPolitics #FaithAndDemocracy #CommonGood #JubileeYearOfHope #JubileeYear2025 #AllSaintsDay #CatholicTwitter"
October 31, 2025 at 8:31 AM
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We have all had some vision of ourselves “making the world a better place.” We likely see ourselves doing that through legislative action, often informed by our faith, but not necessarily with a consensus as to what our collective goals should be –...

Continue reading on the graphic 3/4 below. 5/6
White text on a dark blue background with a red border on the top and bottom. The text reads: "We have all had some vision of ourselves “making the world a better place.” We likely see ourselves doing that through legislative action, often informed by our faith, but not necessarily with a consensus as to what our collective goals should be – whether to work together or in opposition to our adversaries – or the means by which we should achieve those goals, such as No Kings Day marches or by engaging in a culture of encounter with those we oppose. However, the bishops’ call – reflecting Aquinas’s worldview – suggests to us that in order to build a culture of life “that cherishes every person as a precious gift from God,” we should necessarily be thinking in terms of building a culture of virtue. And it follows that a culture of virtue – of holiness, of a citizenry who may be best described as the “saints next door” – requires that each of us, in personal communion with God, take responsibility for seeking to become virtuous."
October 31, 2025 at 8:31 AM
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“Custom has the force of law, abolishes law, and is the interpreter of law. For, as the jurist says, laws are established when they are promulgated and approved by the custom of those who use them....

Continue reading on the graphic 2/4 below. 4/6

#AllSaintsDay #SaintNextDoor
White text on a dark blue background with a red border on the top and bottom. The text reads: “Custom has the force of law, abolishes law, and is the interpreter of law. For, as the jurist says, laws are established when they are promulgated and approved by the custom of those who use them. When a people approve something by their acts repeatedly, it is like the judgment of the whole people expressed in words by their ruler.” Here “custom” is at least a surrogate of, and necessarily a function of, culture. Aquinas lived at a time when feudal monarchies were the order of the day. His intuitive understanding that culture can shape – and even supersede – law puts the focus on us as being more important than the king. This means that change begins within ourselves."
October 31, 2025 at 8:31 AM
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AMERICA’S VIRTUE STARTS WITH US 🙏

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We are gratified that our bishops made such a beautiful and prudent exhortation, in our humble opinion, on this final day of the Respect Life Month Novena....

Continue reading on the graphic 1/4 below. 3/6
White text on a dark blue background with a red border on the top and bottom. The text reads: "AMERICA’S VIRTUE STARTS WITH US 🙏 Sisters and Brothers in Christ, We are gratified that our bishops made such a beautiful and prudent exhortation, in our humble opinion, on this final day of the Respect Life Month Novena. It is beautiful in its aspiration and simplicity, and prudent in advancing culture as the means by which to change a society that St. Pope John Paul II observed was mired in a “culture of death.” St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor – a name given to him for both the purity of his intellect, reflecting the harmony between faith and reason, and for his theological brilliance in articulating the nature and role of angels – is one of Western civilization’s most influential thinkers. In his Summa Theologica he wrote:"
October 31, 2025 at 8:31 AM
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🙏 LET US PRAY FOR THE HUMILITY AND LOVE TO PRAY FOR MERCY FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT 📿

++++++++++++

THE USCCB POSTED:

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Mt 5:7). Today's #RespectLifeMonth Novena prayers: ow.ly/Bi3Q50Xf2PB.

++++++++++++ 1/13
At the top: against a solid light grayish-blue background covering the entire square graphic, white text that reads “DAY 8” at the top. Below: The message says, “May our nation end its use of the death penalty, bearing witness to the dignity of every human life.” At the bottom left is the white circular USCCB cross logo with the words “United States Conference of Catholic Bishops @usccb” in black. In the lower right corner is the website address “respectlife.org.”
October 30, 2025 at 11:49 AM
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May Our Prayers Turn to Action –

URGE CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS TO FUND LIFESAVING PROGRAMS AND END GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

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On the top, the official logo of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops appears with a green cross inside a circle beside the words “UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS.” Below, in bold red text, it reads: “ACTION ALERT.” Beneath that, inside a dark green box with white lettering, the message says: “Urge Congressional Leaders to Fund Lifesaving Programs and End Government Shutdown.” A thin red border runs along the top and bottom edges of the image.
October 30, 2025 at 12:36 AM
catholicdems.bsky.social
RESPECT LIFE MONTH

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Posted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on Oct. 26, 2025:

Authentic healthcare must always be at the service of human life. See today's #RespectLifeMonth Novena prayers at the URL in the first comment below.

++++++++++++ 1/8
At the top: In prominent white font in all caps the text, "DAY 7" against a uniform green background that covers the entire graphic. In the middle: White text that reads, "May healthcare always respect God's design and protect His gift of human life." On the bottom right: The logo of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) - a cross in a circle. Next to that, the name of the USCCB in white text. On the bottom left: White text that reads, "respectlife.org"
October 29, 2025 at 4:14 AM
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🙏🏽 PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN JAMAICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 🇯🇲

Sisters and brothers,

Please join us in praying for our vulnerable sisters and brothers across the Caribbean –particularly on the island of Jamaica.
A satellite-style weather map showing Hurricane Melissa’s projected path heading directly toward Jamaica, highlighted in red and orange, indicating severe storm intensity. The image includes an inset of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the right, symbolizing prayer and protection. Text overlay reads: “Hurricane Melissa Nears Record Intense Jamaica Landfall as Category 5” and source credit “From weather.com.” The overall tone conveys urgency, faith, and a call to prayer for Jamaica and the Caribbean.
October 28, 2025 at 11:41 AM
catholicdems.bsky.social
We are mindful of the deeply troubling increase in assisted suicide. As the graph below shows, in the past decade, reported cases have increased by over 300% (191 in 2015 to 710 in 2024). 3/5
A red trend line graph titled “Assisted Suicide Deaths in the United States by Year (1998–2024).” The vertical axis shows the number of assisted suicide deaths, increasing from 0 to 700. The horizontal axis shows years from 1998 to 2024. The data reveal a steady rise from 16 deaths in 1998 to 710 in 2024, with sharp growth after 2015. The source line below reads: “Compiled by ChatGPT AI assistant, Scholar AI, from data derived from Oregon Health Authority (1998–2024); Washington State Department of Health (2009–2024); California Department of Public Health (2016–2024); supplemented by national trend estimates from Jones et al. (2025), SSRN; and Sutton & Kious (2025), Journal of Ethics in Mental Health.”
October 28, 2025 at 9:16 AM
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EVERY LIFE IS WORTH LIVING

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POSTED BY THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS

Day 6 of the #RespectLifeMonth Novena highlights that every life is worth living. See today's prayers at the URL in the first comment below.
++++++++++++ 1/5
At the top: against a solid blue background covering the entire square graphic, white text that reads “DAY 6” at the top. Below: The message says, “May all who are ill or nearing death receive care that meets all their needs and upholds the gift of their lives.” At the bottom left is the white circular USCCB cross logo with the words “United States Conference of Catholic Bishops @usccb.” In the lower right corner is the website address “respectlife.org.”
October 28, 2025 at 9:16 AM
catholicdems.bsky.social
Today, nearly 75% of white Democrats go to church less than once a year.

Nearly 85% attend less than once a month.

"Put differently: for every weekly-attending white Democrat, there are six who attend church less than once a year."

++++++++++++ 2/7
Graph entitled "Religious Attendance by Race, 2008 vs 2024" for White and Non-White. The graphs shows religious attendance by: Weekly+; Weekly; Monthly; Yearly; Seldom; and, Never.
October 28, 2025 at 4:18 AM
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PEOPLE OF FAITH IN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY ARE CALLED TO BE WITNESSES TO FAITH – FOR THE SAKE OF OUR DEMOCRACY.

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THIS POSTED BY RYAN BURGE, Pastor, publisher of Graphs About Religion, and Professor of Practice at the Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington Univ., St. Louis.
Two scales appear side by side on a light background with subtle red and blue tones. The left scale holds a Christian cross, while the right scale holds a stylized religious symbol resembling a six-pointed geometric figure. The image conveys a comparison or balance between religion and politics. A banner at the bottom reads, “The Democrats Have a Religion Problem.”
October 28, 2025 at 4:18 AM
catholicdems.bsky.social
FOR BLUESKY

FROM THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS (USCCB) ON OCT. 26, 2025:

God's individual, real, unchanging love is the source of our dignity. Today's #RespectLifeMonth Novena prayers: ow.ly/1tBP50Xf2Ng 1/6

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At the top: against a solid blue background covering the entire square graphic, white text that reads “DAY 5” at the top. Below: The message says, “May all people with disabilities be treated with respect and their lives protected.” At the bottom left is the white circular USCCB cross logo with the words “United States Conference of Catholic Bishops @usccb.” In the lower right corner is the website address “respectlife.org.”
October 27, 2025 at 5:52 AM