Bishop David Walkowiak, of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, on Thursday started the first day of a novena being conducted in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson ruling about abortion.

"The Church will never cease to pray, work, and serve until the day when every human life is protected in law, and welcomed in love,” Walkowiak said in a letter to the Catholic community of Grand Rapids. “I ask you to join me in a novena from June 1-9 in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.” 

Walkowiak sent the letter ahead of the start of the nine-day prayer, inviting the faithful to participate in the novena. The Dobbs ruling is expected in late June or early July. Walkowiak wrote that regardless of the high court’s decision, the Church "must redouble its efforts" to provide support and resources for women and couples who are facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies. 

A Facebook post identified the intention for Day 1 of the novena: "For mothers: May we understand more deeply the difficulties of mothers in need and respond with increased compassionate care and support as they nurture the lives entrusted to them." The intention for Day 2: "For fathers: May fathers lovingly support the mothers of their children during pregnancy, and remain a steady and nurturing presence in their children’s lives.” 

A Gallup Poll conducted in May 2021 showed that nearly half (48%) of respondents said they believed abortion should be legal only under certain circumstances, and 19% of respondents believed abortion should be illegal in all circumstances. Approximately one-third (32%) said they believed abortion should be legal in all cases. 

“Novena” comes from the Latin word meaning “nine” and refers to the practice that a novena prayer is prayed nine consecutive days. The number nine could signify the nine months that Mary was pregnant with Jesus, or it could refer to when the Apostles and Mary prayed for the nine days between Jesus’s Ascension into Heaven and Pentecost.