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Prayer
Vigils

As long as lives are on the line, our work must be rooted in prayer.

First Friday Prayer Vigils

On the First Friday of each month, CMN invites you to a virtual prayer vigil, a sacred space to lament upcoming executions and bear witness to the sanctity of all human life. Join us to stand in solidarity with people facing execution, their victims, and all who are impacted by the unjust system of capital punishment.

First Friday Prayer Vigils are offered in both English and Spanish, and include time for guided prayer, petitions, Scripture reflections, and contemplative silence. Catholic bishops, ministry leaders, and allies from the abolition movement often lend their voices to these gatherings.

Our Next Vigil

Join us on August 2 at 2 p.m. ET for our next vigil.

What to Expect

Virtual prayer vigils are held on Zoom and live-streamed to CMN’s YouTube channel. On the day of the vigil, registrants receive an emailed link with instructions on how to join. You can also sign up above to get vigil reminders delivered automatically each month to your inbox.

Simultaneous Spanish language interpretation is available. Please invite anyone who would benefit from this service!

La interpretación simultánea en español ahora estará disponible. ¡Invite a cualquiera que se beneficie de este servicio!

Prayer Resources

Explore a variety of prayers from CMN’s resource library.

Oración para abolir la pena de muerte

Padre Misericordioso, Te pedimos que bendigas todo lo que hacemos para construir una cultura de paz. Escucha nuestra oración por los que afectados por la pena de muerte. Oramos por todas las personas, para que sus vidas y su dignidad de hijos/as de un Dios amante de la vida sean respectadas y protegidas en todo…

Prayer Vigil on the Day of an Execution

Created for CMN by Pat Doyle Drawn from the resources compiled for a vigil in Texas, CMN is pleased to introduce this bilingual resource to assist those planning prayer vigils in states where condemned prisoners are to be executed. Although it is specifically worded for a vigil on the night before or day of a…

Novena to Our Lady Undoer of Knots

The devotion to our Lady Undoer of Knots began in the 2nd century with St. Irenaeus. He wrote, “The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by the obedience of Mary; what the virgin Eve bound by her unbelief, the Virgin Mary loosened by her faith.” With this Novena, we pray for Mary, our Advocate, and…

CMN’s Prayer for Mercy Prayer Cards

CMN’s Prayer for Mercy is available for download as a sheet of 4 prayer cards. “God of mercy, Help us to remember your loving compassion as we go forward to spread your message of mercy. Your mercy is your justice, O God, allow our hearts to be open to your grace as we work for…

A Good Friday Reflection to End the Use of the Death Penalty

This reflection is perfect to use with groups or as a personal tool throughout Lent. Including both prayer and informative statistics about the death penalty, this reflection is a great way to mark events of Good Friday. Click the “resource attachment” link below to download this PDF.

Sample Prayers of the Faithful for Respect Life Month

These sample prayers of the faithful center around the work to end the death penalty and build a more restorative criminal justice system. Perfect for Respect Life Month or any time of the year, these prayers of the faithful amplify the Catholic call to advocate for all life. Click the “resource attachment” link below to download…

Help CMN end the death penalty

Join our community to educate, advocate, and pray for abolition.