The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has called on Catholics to pray and fast on Friday, and the Diocese of Metuchen (New Jersey) posted an invitation for its parishioners to join diocesan staff in that effort.

“As we continue to hear about the growing divisions in our nation, we invite you to unite with us in prayer and fasting and join our diocesan staff as we pray the rosary together live at 10:30 a.m. this Friday, May 13, the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima,” the diocese posted on Facebook this week. “Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!” 

The USCCB announced its call for prayer and fasting after threats were made in connection with the leaked draft opinion of the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization, a press release from the Conference said. It noted that abortion advocates have threatened to disrupt church services and intimidate certain Supreme Court justices ahead of the official handing down of the high court’s abortion decision. 

USCCB leaders included a list of prayer intentions. Among them are: "For our nation, for the integrity of our judicial system, and that all branches of government be dedicated to seeking the common good and protecting the dignity and rights of the human person, from conception to natural death; for the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in the Supreme Court's final decision in Dobbs v. Jackson; for the conversion of the hearts and minds of those who advocate for abortion; for a new commitment to building an America where children are welcomed, cherished, and cared for, where mothers and fathers are encouraged and strengthened, and where marriage and the family are recognized and supported as the true foundations of a healthy and flourishing society; for Our Blessed Mother's intercession and guidance as the Church continues to walk with mothers and families in need, and continues to promote alternatives to abortion, and seeks to create a culture of life.” 

The Catholic Church has never wavered in its opposition to abortion, the USCCB said. The Catechism confirms this, saying: “Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law (No. 2271).” 

The Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima every May 13. The day is set aside to recognize Mary's appearance before three children in Fatima in 1917, a report from Franciscan Media said. She instructed the children to pray a rosary for the end of World War I, world peace, the conversion of Russia and its dedication to Her Immaculate Heart, and for sinners.