Phoenix-area Catholics are being asked to answer the call for fasting and praying on Friday.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) made its appeal in response to the leaked draft opinion of the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization. The Diocese of Phoenix has echoed the USCCB's call. Friday was chosen as the day because it is the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima.

“Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares join the USCCB in calling the faithful to unite in fasting and prayer on Friday, May 13, the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima,” the diocese posted on Facebook this week. 

The USCCB issued its call for prayer and fasting in response to threats made in connection with the forthcoming Supreme Court decision on its latest abortion case, the release said. 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 decision. 

Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the USCCB; and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, listed their prayer intentions: "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 long maintained an anti-abortion stance, contending that life begins at conception and referring to the Catechism for backup of that assessment. 

“Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion,” the USCCB said. “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).” 

May 13 marks the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima, a report from Franciscan Media said. The day recalls Mary's appearance before three children in 1917. She appeared before them on multiple occasions in Fatima, which is north of Lisbon, and instructed them 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.