Spiritual Adoption Program

"Our prayers can make a difference in the life of the unborn baby and can provide support for mothers facing unexpected pregnancies." - Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

How did the prayer begin?
Following the court decision in 1972, which legalized abortion throughout the entire nine months of pregnancy, then Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen encouraged the spiritual adoption of the unborn.  He proposed that we pray that one particular but unknown child’s life be spared from abortion. He proposed that the following prayer:

 “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.”

What is the St. Benilde Spiritual Adoption Program?


Parishioners pledge to pray Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s prayer every day for nine months for a baby in danger of abortion. While this child will remain unknown to his or her ‘spiritual parent’, God knows who the child is.

How does the Program Work?
Sign-Up: Individuals and families in St. Benilde Parish sign up to "spiritually adopt" an unborn baby in danger of abortion.  

Daily Prayer: The “spiritual parents” commit to praying Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s specific prayer daily for nine months for your spiritually adopted child. Many “spiritual parents” have found that naming “their child” helps keep them focused on the reality that their prayers are helping to save an unborn baby from the harm of abortion.

Monthly Updates: The parish bulletin, and parish social media, will provide monthly updates on the development of the pre-born child.

Culminating "Birthday Party": The program ends with a birthday party and gifts of baby items, collected for donations (diapers, clothes, etc.) to local agencies (Hotel Hope, Woman’s New Life Center, Catholic Charities Adoption Services). 

There are millions of unborn babies at risk of abortion who desperately need your prayers.  Please consider spiritually adopting one and share the love for life that God has given you.