In accordance with a call from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Diocese of Allentown has invited parishioners to pray and fast on Friday as part of the celebration for the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima.

The USCCB’s guidance comes in response to the leaked draft opinion of the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization and related threats that have followed, according to a press release.

“Given the continued tension following the news that the U.S. Supreme Court may overturn the federal law that legalizes abortion, bishops around the United States are calling for Catholics to unite in fasting and prayer,” the diocese posted on Facebook. “On Friday, May 13, the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima, the faithful are asked to pray and fast for these intentions.”

The USCCB’s release notes that abortion advocates have threatened to disrupt church services in light of the high court’s projected decision. Several Supreme Court justices might be intimidated, too, it said.

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, stated their prayer intentions should be observed Friday. Among them: "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.”

The Catholic Church holds a strong opposition to abortion, the USCCB said, referencing the Catechism to support that statement. ”Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. 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).”

The Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated May 13. It brings to mind Mary's appearance before three children in 1917 in Fatima, Franciscan Media explains. Mary came before them and instructed the children to pray a rosary for the end of World War I, world peace, for the conversion of Russia and its dedication to Her Immaculate Heart and for sinners.