Spiritual Adoption

In 1973 Servant of God Archbishop Fulton Sheen wrote a little prayer after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion. Invoking the intercession of the Holy Family, he pleaded for divine protection over unborn babies in danger of being aborted.

"Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I love you very much." "I beg you to spare the life of the unborn child that I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion."

He asked to pray for a full year every day in the name of the baby. He believed that by such "spiritual adoption" of specific babies — one prayer at a time — we would overcome the culture of death in America and internationally.

If we all decide to adopt a baby in danger of abortion, how could God say no? This baby that you have or will adopt will be saved.

"During your earthly life, this spiritually adopted child of yours will be known only to God, but in the world to come, it is hoped that you will meet the child whose life was spared by your prayers and spend eternal happiness with them." Archbishop Fulton Sheen


Blessed Teresa of Calcutta called abortion "...the most grievous sin in the world."
 

At St. Gerard Majella, we each spiritually adopt a baby as a Parish on the Feast of St. Gerard Majella on October 16. Everyone is welcome to join us on this beautiful spiritual journey.

Steps of the program

1. We fill out a pledge, give the baby a name, and pray for him/her every day for nine months, and afterward for the rest of the year as a thanksgiving to our Lord for saving our little one.

2. Each month, we learn and celebrate the baby's life, learning more about his development in mommy's womb.
On July 8 of every year, we begin to pray the Bellator Vitae Novena (see document below) for the safe delivery of our spiritually adopted baby, for mother, father, family, society, and also for all pro-life warriors all around the world. 

3. On the Feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel, we celebrate the birth of our spiritually adopted baby with Holy Mass and a joyful celebration. On that day, everyone is invited to contribute a little something to help mothers and families in need by offering gifts.

If you would like to join us in person or virtually in the next spiritual adoption, please download the Spiritual Adoption Instructions below.