Novena to St. John Paul II for Life and Against Assisted Suicide
This novena, nine days of intercessory prayer, can be prayed starting anytime to urge the defeat assisted suicide legislation in Illinois. We pray for a commitment by our elected officials to prioritize palliative care and support for those at risk from a physician assisted suicide: those with disabilities, who are nearing the end of life, or are struggling with a mental illness. We pray to Saint John Paul II, who showed us the value of human life through his own struggles and faith.
Each day, start the novena by praying: Merciful God, we pray with thanks and gratitude for the great spiritual gift of Saint John Paul II’s apostolic life and mission. Through his heavenly intercession, we ask for the defeat of the assisted suicide bill and that the infinite worth of each human person is upheld through proper investment in palliative care. Grant also that we may grow in love for You and proclaim boldly the love of Jesus Christ to all people. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Then read the reflection provided for the day (see below). Conclude with an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
For a copy of this novena in Spanish, download the text here.
Day 1
All life has “inestimable value” – “even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.”
– Pope Francis, July 2013
Day 2
“A society lacks solid foundations when, on the one hand, it asserts values such as the dignity of the person, justice and peace, but then, on the other hand, radically acts to the contrary by allowing or tolerating a variety of ways in which human life is devalued and violated, especially where it is weak or marginalized. Only respect for life can be the foundation and guarantee of the most precious and essential goods of society, such as democracy and peace.”
– Evangelium Vitae, 101
Day 3
“A society will be judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members; and among the most vulnerable are surely the unborn and the dying.”
– Pope Saint John Paul II, May 200
Day 4
“Respecting the dignity of people who are dying must involve respecting their lives, for without life there is no dignity.”
– Cherishing Life, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, 2004
Day 5
“Laws which legitimize the direct killing of innocent human beings through abortion or assisted suicide are in complete opposition to the inviolable right to life proper to every individual; they thus deny the equality of everyone before the law.”
– Evangelium Vitae, 72
Day 6
“As believers, how can we fail to see that abortion and assisted suicide are a terrible rejection of God’s gift of life and love? And as believers, how can we fail to feel the duty to surround the sick and those in distress with the warmth of our affection and the support that will help them always to embrace life?”
– Pope Saint John Paul II, 1999
Day 7
“Fragility, pain and illness are a difficult trial for everyone…they are an appeal for patience, for suffering with; we cannot give in to temptation to apply quick and drastic solutions, stirred by false compassion or by simple criteria of efficiency and economic saving…True compassion marginalizes no one…much less consider their death as a good thing.”
– Pope Francis, June 2016
Day 8
“We deserve to grow old in a society that views our cares and needs with a compassion grounded in respect, offering genuine support in our final days. The choices we make together now will decide whether this is the kind of caring society we will leave to future generations.”
– To Live Each Day with Dignity, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2011
Day 9
“Never tire of firmly speaking out in defense of life from its conception and do not be deterred from the commitment to defend the dignity of every human person with courageous determination. Christ is with you: be not afraid!”
– Pope Saint John Paul II, 2001