Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Right now, somewhere in the world, an unborn child and their parents need prayers. The child is at risk of being aborted. St. Padre Pio stated, “Prayer is the key that opens the heart of God.” Many believe in the power of prayer and its impact on conversion.

Spiritual adoption offers a way to help. This simple act can make a difference. To participate, choose a name for the child you are spiritually adopting, or more than one if desired, and pledge to pray for nine months for this child who faces abortion risks. While unknown to the "spiritual parent," it is believed that God knows who the child is.

Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen of Peoria encouraged spiritual adoption with this recommended prayer: “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I love you very much. I beg you to spare the life of [baby’s name], the unborn baby that I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion.”

Participants are encouraged to team up with parishioners, school communities, friends, or family for nine months. Spiritual adoption is open to everyone and serves as an educational opportunity for students and children about life in the womb and prayer's significance.

The Bible verse Jeremiah 1:5 states: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” By engaging in spiritual adoption, participants aim to help prevent abortions and alleviate potential parental guilt and sadness.