Testimony from 40 Days for Life Participants

Testimony

First off, we again thank all who came and contributed to the 40 Day prayer vigil outside of the Planned Parenthood in Madison, Wisconsin. While it is impossible to measure 'success' with a prayer vigil like this...we did want to post some of the many testimonies we received from people who came out to pray at Planned Parenthood during these 40 days.

Also, we will be gathering together to pray outside the East Side Planned Parenthood on the first Friday and first Saturday of each month, although the exact details have yet to be worked out. But if you are interested in getting involved, please contact Amy at 40DaysforLifeMadison@gmail.com and we will be certain to keep you updated on future prayer opportunities.

Here is what you had to say about 40 Days for Life:

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I'm so glad about 40 Days for Life. Gives to my life peace. Thanks.
~ Cecilia

I am not a night owl and need my sleep. For some reason the midnight to 2 AM goes very fast and I am not even tired the next day. That's not normally me.
~ Joe

Meeting "new friends" from other Christian denominations, being united in prayer for life...AWESOME. Praying the Rosary with our beloved Bishop Morlino and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with our beloved Fr. Eric Sternberg.
~ Cyndy

If you can draw joy from a house of evil is meeting all the different people who have participated in prayers.
~ Joe

Waking up early (or staying up late for some of us) to go 40 days for life everyday, standing in the wind, being cussed out by passerby have been a mini bootcamp for us, the prayer warriors and soldiers of Christ. As prayers have torn down the wall of Jericho in Sacred Scripture and destroyed the communist regime in Russia in the recent past, our FAITH tells us that abortion will come to an end one day with prayer and penance. Moreover, HOPE tells us that the Truth will prevail and Christ will triumph in the end whereas LOVE compels us to keep praying and sacrificing until the culture of death comes to an end. With God's grace, this can be done.
~ Vincent

Nancy and I were encouraged by the number of young people who are enthusiastically involved in this effort. The thoughtful and powerful prayer that is ongoing is inspirational wherever we are.

We also prayed for the car filled with people that sped by late at night with one person yelling, "Get A Life!" We thought they almost had it right! We couldn't wait til they really understood!

Finally, we were amused by the skunk that sauntered up to the front door of Planned Parenthood about 2am one night, and proceeded to the bushes around the corner. We were praying that the skunk would find an appropriate time to make it's presence known!
~ Al

God has deepened my commitment to be totally pro-life in this experience. Spending concentrated time in prayer for the unborn and their parents is a moving experience. Last week, the empty baby stroller almost brought tears to my eyes. We have 10-month-old grandson who is often in such a stroller. And I can only imagine how many babies will never ride in a stroller because they lost their lives in the very building we are praying at. God have mercy.
~ Jerry

I have had the opportunity to meet several wonderful people at the vigil, and have been touched by their integrity, their steadfastness, their strong faith, their positive attitude, and their happiness. It has helped to restore my faith in humanity and re-assures me that goodness still thrives in our world.
~ Dave

I think the most awesome parts for me have been walking around praying Rosaries while sprinkling Blessed Salt and Holy Water, and the Midnight Vigil with the Bishop. It was so incredible being out with the Bishop and about a hundred other people (many of whom I knew) praying for life and sacrificing that time during which I would have rather been sleeping. When the idea was first brought up at school, there was some hesitation because it was a school night, but our Religion teacher pointed out that God always gives you extra grace when you stay up late in vigil. The day after was a Service Day for us and I was amazed as I realized that, not only did I not grow tired, but I actually had more energy then I'd had in quite some time and I truly was joyful as I preformed the tasks assigned to me.
~ Olivia

Perhaps not an "accomplishment," but rather some clarity of thought: my "shift" is Friday evening from 10:00 pm until 2:00 am Saturday morning. There's not much going on at that time - it's downright serene. The trees are beautiful; the landscaping is agreeable. And then the clarity: the Devil does not work with blunt instruments. The physical serenity of the environment is purposeful - to mask the atrocities that take place within the building.
~ Joe

I'd have to say the most positive thing I've found is a renewal in my faith of the youth of today. Whether it be those in their early 20's who have committed themselves to this prayer vigil.....I can think of so many other things that people in their early 20's could be doing on a Friday and Saturday night; or the families that bring their young children late at night that are so well behaved and know their prayers even better than I do. So often I fear that society's holding on to God's values will "die away" as the older generation passes on, but seeing the involvement of the youth in this vigil really restores my confidence in the retention of those values.
~ Curt

We had a wonderful experience praying for life. My wife, my 6 year old daughter and myself shared the praying of a rosary with a wonderful family from Lancaster - Rob and Tanya and their four children ranging in age from 1 to 6. It is an amazing experience to see God through a group like this.

All the people we have met have been wonderful and have exposed us to new and wonderful ways that God is working through his people.
~ David

The other day I received an email saying they needed someone from 8-9 in the morning. I talked my husband into going with me and when we got there we found a young mother with her little son, a young man that had already been there an hour but stayed until 9 and a senior citizen, we talked , prayed and sang songs together/ My husband and I were both so impressed especially with the young people.

During my times at Planned Parenthood I have only had one car of young gals yell at me.
~ Marian

The Holy Spirit puts words in my mouth.

I accidentally found out it's easy to get to the clinic and pray a Rosary in the morning before work. (I was hoping to see Bishop Morlino. Ha!)
~ Ardis

I am thankful for the blessing of unity as Catholics and non-catholics come together in a spirit of love to pray together for Life !
~ Gwen

The vigil is a spirit-filled experience for me. Some days it's a bit cold or wet but totally rewarding personally.

Interviewing two vigil participants the first week sticks in my mind as their thoughts and observations were so memorable and provided strong testament on Relevant Radio. Each time those announcements run on the station it brings e back to that day.
~ Jim

I had to young Ladies approach and say, "I want to know were I can obtain an adoption. They change their minds because they had supporters. Someone who can help them do what was right.

Thanks to everyone...
~ Don

What is amazing to me is to see so many people who have come forward to participate in this worthwhile cause. It is encouraging to see the dedication and love that we share for life and for the unborn babies. We are their voices and we have to say no to the culture of death. Praise be to God.
~ Kathy

Since participating in the 40 days vigil, I've spent more time praying for women who are pregnant and are not thinking of motherhood. I've felt a greater sense of who I am as a Catholic, and feel part of a greater community who loves God. I've also gained a greater sense of who I am and what I believe, and have been able to be more public about my beliefs in general. I am not afraid.
~ Laura

This experience has brought me in contact with some really wonderful people! Since I participate in the early morning hours before the clinic is open, I have time to pray and fellowship with my fellow prayer warriors! I've learned about the Knights of Divine Mercy and the Chesterton groups here in Madison and what Father Rick did < in Cross Plains> to ameliorate a place of ill repute out there. I'm also relearning the Divine Mercy Chaplet and praying that outside of my time in front of PP. My mom has entered the efforts in participating at the Appleton/Grand Chute location.

God is moving in spectacular ways and is heightening my awareness of all the brokenness in this world. May His mercy reign down on us always and forever and rally us all to continue praying and demonstrating our belief that His righteousness shall overcome the evil in this world.

ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!!!!!
~ Rebecca

It is AMAZING, and oh, so encouraging for me, to meet face to face my fellow prayer warriors. Often one feels out numbered and alone in this battle to save innocent lives. Because of this 40 day Vigil, I now realize I am numbered among God's LEGIONS of Angels and many brave souls who love Life.
~ Beth

My Brother Knights are telling me about meeting other Knights on the sidewalk from up-state Wisconsin.
~ Bob

While praying on a bright sunny Sunday afternoon at the Vigil, I looked up into the sky & 3 times I saw the clouds shaped liked a baby in the womb. Seemed appropriate to see those little babies floating over the abortion center.
~ Joanne

People come out and come together.
~ Jerel

A woman drove up to us and stopped to thank us and give us fresh drinking water. It was great to meet new people and share the experience of prayer with them!
~ Raye

God has introduced us to so many faithful Catholic and Christian friends through 40 Days for Life. If has given us new life in the spirit of following Jesus with many more companions along the way! Sometimes in our day to day life we feel that we are isolated and are only one of a very few people trying to remain faithful, but through this vigil we have encountered people of all different ages and backgrounds who are willing to stand up for the teachings of our faith. We have learned not to be afraid, like Jesus said, and to be a visible sign of his love to all from conception to old age--He loves us all and longs to gather all of us into his loving presence. It is truly an experience that has strengthened our faith and that gives us hope. What a blessing!
~ Peter & Paulette

Last week I was able to pray for a young lady who had brought her friend for her first appointment at Planned Parenthood. Her friend was pregnant and considering an abortion. The young lady I spoke to did not approve of abortion but wanted to be her friend. I asked her if I could pray for her friend and she said yes. So we prayed for her on the street. Then I asked if I could pray for her and she asked if I could pray that she would be able to convince her friend not to have an abortion. So we prayed together. Afterwards I encouraged her that interviews with post-abortive women have shown that if even one person had said they'd stand with them if they chose to have the baby that they would not have had an abortion. I hope this really encouraged her to stand by her friend.
~ Dave

For us it was an overwhelming realization of the horrific fact that abortions do occur at the Planned Parenthood clinic on Orin Street in Madison. It is a very non-descript clinic setting so NO ONE on the outside truly knows what goes on. Walking the area for the two-hour stint and praying the rosary, we felt that the Holy Spirit would touch someone's life through this! The experience made this an actuality, where before, since we lived 100 miles away, it never seemed real. Sad to say, but now it does. Thank you!
~ Pete & Marcia

In telling a friend about going to PP for the vigil, she revealed to me she had a Medically necessary abortion at PP. She said it was a terrible experience because there were so many young girls there giggling and laughing. She said there were postcards on the ceiling saying Hi I am on vacation since I had my abortion and having a good time. She said for her and her hsb who were grieving over this loss of a serious birth defect this atmosphere made it terrible. I was able to refer her to Care Net and Rachels Vineyard.
~ Ruth

The greatest accomplishment that I witnessed was that I was invited to speak at a local public high school debating someone from NARAL about abortion. When I left the school after 3 hours of debate, I saw the students very aware that abortion is the killing of a human being. They made the important shift from thinking in abstract about a "choice" to realizing the concreteness of "killing". I pray that what they felt to be the truth during that debate will accompany them throughout life and guide their choices.
~ Sr Raffaella

How neat it was to pray a Rosary with complete strangers, yet feel the common bond that brought you together.
~ Ann

It has been interesting that while praying the Rosary in the middle of the night, sometimes in the cold and the rain, and always with my mind only half awake, I have had some of my deepest insights into the mysteries of the Rosary. It is reasonable to expect such consolations while at Eucharistic Adoration, but I was surprised by that grace received in the presence of such evil. It is truly the workings of the Holy Spirit.
~ Greg

Wow! God is good!
~ Bridget

The best positive thing I can think of since I haven't yet gone to Madison (I am today) is that this is my third pregnancy and have never had the chance to have an ultrasound aside from the baby being between 8 and 10 weeks. That is exciting but all you see is just a tiny little thing and the heart beating. This time around I got to have an ultrasound at 19 weeks. Oh my goodness what an awesome thing to see!!!
~ Katie

On my noon shift this Wed. I was praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet when a young lady headed for the front door of Planned Parenthood. I held the Crucifix of my rosary up facing the lady asking our Lord to "turn her away" from the abortion mill. She stood at the front door for a few seconds, abruptly turned around, and drove off. Small miracle?-------Maybe not so small!
Praise be to God!
~ Patrick

1) Found encouragement from brothers in Christ
2) Seen the profound sacrifice others are making to pray for the protection of the unborn
3) Realized in my own life the power of prayer, especially in the form of a "vigil."
~ John

The Lord hears our prayers and answers them! So whether you can see it or not, lives are being changed and saved!
~ Maria

I have been enjoying your updates for the 40 Days for Life vigil in Madison. Recently I got a message that was sent out to all the Seminarians here at SHMS in Detroit. Basically it shows that our efforts here in Detroit (and even in Madison in someway) are truly worth the cause. I wanted to share this news and links that Nate sent me with you and others that are in your "40 Days for Life" group. Please share this if you want to. Remember, my prayers are with all of you each day and the works that you all do. Wish I could be there.
~ Jason

When we were at the mill, it was closed, but I thought that it was "amazing" that some college girls came all the way down from Stevens Points to pray for the babies and their mothers.
~ BobiBeth

I was struck by several things:

1) People have to be buzzed into the clinic. If there is nothing wrong with what goes on in the clinic, there would be no need to buzz people in.
2) Life goes on around the clinic. Is anyone paying attention????????? A nurse came back from McDonald's with her lunch. Students rush by and cross the sidewalk so as to not come near us. Do they understand what is going on behind closed doors? It makes you want to scream at the top of your lungs, "Children are dying! Does anyone care?"
3) The body language/actions of those entering the clinic speaks volumes. I saw one young lady RUN to her car after leaving the clinic. Few people entering or leaving the clinic will make eye contact with those of us who are praying.
4) I prayed 2 Sundays when the cleaning lady was there. It just gave me a new perspective on the variety of people affected by the clinic.
5) I couldn't help but notice the falling leaves and how symbolic they are. They are torn away from the tree of life just as the babies are torn from their mothers' wombs.
6) It was awesome to meet so many other Catholics who are staunchly pro-life and are willing to give of their time to pray and be a visible sign that abortion is wrong.

*Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this experience! Each day I left the clinic, I felt God's presence and joy.
~ Andrea

One of my Evangelical friends was stating how neat it was that the Catholic church is so vocal in the pro-life movement. She came to the vigil to pray with me one day so I wouldn't be alone, then came on her own several times. What a beautiful testament to the Catholic faith!
~ Alissa

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Please feel free to leave comments, with your thoughts, stories, etc! God Bless you all!

Thank You!

A huge thank you to all of you who came out to participate in 40 Days for Life here in Madison! May all of you who helped this effort, whether by coming out for many hours of prayer in the cold or rain, by promotion, by monetary contributions, etc., we offer our deepest thanks. May the Lord bless you all!

As our simple way of thanking you, please join us if you are able for a showing of the movie Bella. We will be meeting for the 10:15 a.m. this Saturday, if you can make it, please email us at 40daysforlifemadison@gmail.com for more details or to confirm.

Also, please click here for audio coverage of the closing ceremony for 40 Days for Life. Photos will be available on the website soon.

Knights of Divine Mercy Gather to Pray

We have some photos up on the website from All Souls Day, November 2nd. A great men's Catholic group, the Knights of Divine Mercy, gathered in prayer from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. for a candlelight vigil. A special thanks to the group, as their members have taken a large number of the late night and early morning hours throughout the entire Vigil.

Don't forget that 40 Days for Life ends in Madison today (Sunday) at 5:30 p.m. Please join us for the closing prayer service!

A Couple Other Prayer Vigils

Two additional prayer vigils going on tomorrow in addition to 40 Days for Life off of Stoughton Rd. in Madison.


* Saturday, starting at Midnight for a 24 hour UNITY vigil in Beaver Dam at their local Planned Parenthood (96 Stoddart Street) Just show up or call Ginny (920) 885-2224 or mobile (920)319-0383

* Saturday, 10am-2pm (416 W. Mifflin Street) UNITY vigil downtown Madison. Just show up or call Andrea (813)393-0232

Vote now to show your support for pro-life hero Scott Southworth!

Pro-Life Wisconsin sent out this today.

You can help a pro-life hero!

Scott Southworth, the district attorney of Juneau County and a longtime supporter of Pro-Life Wisconsin, has been nominated for an award by CNN. The voting is done online and ends Monday, November 5, 2007 at 12 p.m. ET. Vote now and show your support for a fellow pro-lifer! All votes are anonymous and do not require registration.

According to the CNN description of Southworth, “In 2003, while in Iraq, Maj. Scott Southworth volunteered at the Mother Teresa Orphanage in Baghdad. There, he befriended Ala'a, a 9-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. Two years later, Southworth arranged to bring Ala'a to the United States. In June, he was granted legal adoption and the two officially became father and son.”

Go to this website to vote : http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/cnn.heroes/

If Southworth wins his category, he faces the winners of five other categories in an online vote. The race is sure to be close, with Southworth currently in the lead by one percent.

The overall winner goes to New York for a special show in December, during which Southworth hopes to promote the adoption of special needs children like Ala'a. The winner also receives $25,000, which Southworth would use in part to pay for medical equipment, a stair lift, and legal bills for Ala'a.

“As a Christian man I couldn’t walk away from this little boy,” Southworth said. “It’s so cool to be able to promote God on CNN on national television and talk about our faith and give it a pro-life perspective.”

A vote for Southworth is a vote for adoption – a cause the pro-life community supports. Southworth also talked about the importance of adoption and its role in Christianity.

“The idea of special needs adoption and how many children there are… People need to step up and adopt them. These children give back so much joy… it’s not about me, Scott Southworth, and the award, but everything else we can do with this,” he said.

Several of the Pro-Life Wisconsin staff have had the pleasure of meeting Ala'a, and one can see Ala'a truly loves his father. Forward this on to friends and family!

Scott is a true hero for the cause of life, and has a huge heart. It would be great for him to win this and bring awareness to his effort at finding homes for children in Iraq. Please go to CNN to vote!

Closing Prayer Service

We will conclude our 40 Days for Life vigil with a Closing Prayer Service at 5:30 p.m. next Sunday the 4th at the vigil site. (3706 Orin Road) Please include an announcement in your church's bulletin. Also if possible during church have a specific intention of thanksgiving for 40 Days for Life mentioned during this next weekend.

Bella

Although I have not seen this yet and it is sometimes hard to promote something one has not seen, this seems like it will be very good. As part of 40 Days for Life here in Madison, we definitely encourage you to see this if you get the opportunity.

Relevant Radio, along with the Diocese of Madison, will also be promoting Bella when the movie comes to Madison from November 9 until November 11 and are giving away free tickets. Please go to either website (linked) for more details.

Thoughts from Planned Parenthood on 40 Days for Life

To get an idea of what the abortion industry is thinking about 40 Days for Life, here is a recent email from Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards regarding 40 Days for Life. It is sometimes difficult to get an understanding of what an organization like Planned Parenthood is thinking based on such communications, since to a certain extent, these type of emails/letters are written to get supporters excited, and to raise money. However, although the primary purpose of the email is to raise more money for Planned Parenthood, it is interesting nonetheless, as it provides some insight into what they are thinking about this "crisis."

It's pouring here at Planned Parenthood.

Specifically, right this minute, it's pouring in
Kansas, where a particularly venomous district attorney
has just filed 107 baseless charges against Planned
Parenthood in court. And today, the anti-choice fringe
is asking Congress to suspend $300 million in federal
funding for our affiliates' health care services until
the case is settled.

Unbelievable. Please help.

Today's news comes on the heels of an unprecedented
series of attacks on Planned Parenthood.

Last week, the rain fell on us in Washington, DC, where
one U.S. senator called us out by name in an amendment
that would have limited birth control funding for
health centers like ours.

Throughout this month, the anti-choice fringe is
showering our clinics with protesters during its "40
Days for Life" campaign, which our own Emily X is
documenting in painfully vivid pictures and videos.

And then, there's President Bush's appointment last
week of an anti-birth control hardliner to be in charge
of U.S. family planning policy. And let's not forget
our epic fight in Illinois last month to open our
Aurora health center.

This unprecedented storm -- these attacks on Planned
Parenthood and the women we serve -- are relentless,
and are on the move across the country with no signs of
stopping.

We've been at this work for more than 90 years, and if
there's one thing we've learned, it's when to ask for
help. And it's now. We need your help right now.

Sometimes we ask you to take action, sometimes to
volunteer. Today, there is only one way to help: with
money.

We need to fight the 107 charges the local district
attorney has filed. We need to keep Congress from even
considering cutting $300 million in our funding. And we
need to do it fast, so that we can shut down this
outrageous effort before it gains any more momentum.

You can see and hear more from workers at clinics being
targeted by the anti-choice "40 Days for Life" campaign
on the blog posted by Planned Parenthood employee Emily
X. It's some tough but inspiring reading. She has been
signing her blog posts like this: I am Emily X. I am
Planned Parenthood.

You know what? You are Planned Parenthood, too.

Thank you for being there for us today. We'll keep you
posted about how you can help as this crisis evolves.

Sincerely,

Cecile Richards
President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Letters

Here are a couple Letters to the Editor that were published in the Wisconsin State Journal this week:

Praise for Goldberg's thoughts on abortion

Thanks for columnist Jonah Goldberg 's insightful thoughts on abortion on the Oct. 18 Opinion page, summed up in one question: When does life begin? The only one with the true answer to this question is God, and only God has access to our hearts to help us bring about change in ourselves and in our world.

Thousands of people are now joined in prayer in 89 cities (four in Wisconsin) across the nation in the largest and longest simultaneous pro-life mobilization in American history -- 40 Days for Life. Through prayer and fasting, participants believe that abortion, the choice against women, will come to an end in our country.

So we will continue to pray for these victims and for those who profit financially from their conditions, especially the employees of Planned Parenthood, Madison. Find more information at www.40daysforlife.com. Thanks again for helping bring the abortion issue to the hearts of many.

-- Nick and Kay Ringelstetter, Prairie du Sac

...and also this one:

Bishop 's leadership inspires at vigil

A historic event in our country is now half over. Madison is one of 89 cities where Americans have been present -- day and night -- outside of abortion facilities to pray and fast for an end to abortion. The prayerful witness will continue through Nov. 4.

The Madison Abortion Clinic on Orin Road is the site of Madison 's 40 Days for Life vigil. Bishop Robert Morlino joined the prayer vigil from Sunday night to Monday morning. I am grateful beyond words to the bishop for his moral leadership, and invite those who believe Americans can do better than abortion to join the vigil.

I truly believe God will hear the blended prayers and sacrifices being made after 33 years of legalized abortion and bring it to an end.

-- Rebecca Sande, Cambridge

More Thoughts on Monday's Prayer Service

Some additional reflections this morning from Bishop Morlino on the prayer service from last Monday:

I want to share how meaningful it was to stand in front of the Planned Parenthood Clinic from midnight until 1 a.m. last Sunday. To be with people who are praying and fasting during this 40 day vigil to end abortion is to be uplifted and given new hope.

As we quietly and peacefully prayed, I especially prayed for the unborn, for women who are tempted to abortion, for those women who think that their dignity is increased by the freedom of choice - not understanding that their dignity as women is really taken away by the freedom of choice, for those women who are hurt by the tragedy of abortion, that they will be healed and that they will have hope, and for those who perform these procedures that they will see the truth about them and come to the light.

I prayed for all of those who have kept and who will keep vigil during the 40 Days for Life, with thanksgiving for all that they give and for the sacrifice that they make.

The Scriptures each Sunday of this month have given us much to ponder on life issues. This coming Sunday's readings are especially pointed. The Pharisee thanks God that he is not like the rest of humanity, sinful and fallen. The tax collector simply says, "O God, be merciful to me a sinner."

Sometimes, I fear that people who have been part of an abortion see pro-life people as the Pharisees. Instead, we all need to pray as the tax collector does. We need to be the ones who humble ourselves so that others will see that they can be forgiven. We need to open our arms to the wounded, so that they will come for healing.

In the Responsorial Psalm we hear these words of comfort: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves." Reach out to those you know who are hurt and brokenhearted. Invite them to speak to any of our priests. Let them know that no sin is unforgivable, that our God is Love and that we, humble people who follow Christ, welcome them.

MJS Follow Up

Patrick McIlheran from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has comments on his blog this week about the positive response he has received from his Sunday column on 40 Days for Life.

Heavens: I write with some sympathy about why people would stand outside an abortion place even in the middle of the night -- and I get overwhelmed with email.

A number of people who lauded me said it must have taken courage, the daily press not being particularly sympathetic to their cause. Well, no: My boss wants me to write stuff he disagrees with. It's in the job description. So I don't need any credit for that.

Especially since -- and this is by actual count -- the email was running 4-73 in favor of the column. I mention this only because I have never gotten 73 emails on anything I've written before, much less 73 emails -- the great majority from women, by the way -- liking it. People don't often bother to write unless they're ticked off.

Or insanely grateful. That's the other theme running through these emails: All sorts of people, many of them taking part in other 40 Days vigils around the country, saying thanks for not kicking them in the teeth. "So often," writes one woman, "people standing for life are portrayed as religious fanatics, extremists, woman-haters, violent, and screaming maniacs. ... Most people who give up their time to stand outside of an abortion clinic are peaceful, prayerful, concerned, heartbroken people." Others said they felt grateful just to hear their views presented, as one said, "without caveats."

Which is how you get, I guess, when you find yourself showing up in pop culture only as a standard bad-guy caricature. I've seen "Law and Order" maybe twice. Both times, it turns out, the bad guy was some spiral-eyed nut-case pro-lifer trying to blow up women. Or maybe it was any of a dozen other shows on which the label "pro-life" is presumed to be a cruel hypocrisy. Pro-lifers' relationship with the news and entertainment media seems to have degenerated to something like an abused spouse -- they flinch at the approach of a camera or a reporter.

So it was cheap grace on my part. All I had to do was listen to them, hear what they were saying, and I got emails like the one from a Mr. M'Mwirichia in Michigan, who wrote, "It's been a blessing praying in the cold, sometimes wet conditions and muscling through a fatigued work day is a small sacrifice compared to what is going on in that building. Thank you for your piece and may the work of your hands continue to be blessed."

It's a pretty cool job when you get to do things that lead people to bless you. I'm humbled.

Hey, as pro-lifers, I think it is okay to laugh at ourselves from time to time. Yes, it is tough being pro-life sometimes, as the media portrays us as being either anti-woman bigots, mentally disturbed persons, hypocrites, or any other number of false labels. But it is reassuring there are people like McIleran out there, may God Bless him, even if he thinks his column was not that important.

Midnight Prayer Service at Planned Parenthood

Thank you everyone who came to our little past mid-way prayer service for 40 Days for Life Madison on October 22nd! Bishop Robert Morlino (pictured above) led the faithful in praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, with about 100 others who came to join him in prayer outside of Planned Parenthood. What a blessing, to have so many praying for life at midnight, especially considering so many of those there had to go to work or school later that day!

To listen to the bishop's comments from the prayer service, please click here.

After the bishop left, Fr. Eric Sternberg from Waunakee led those remaining (about 50) in the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. The weather was surprisingly warm for this time of year, but it was great to have so many people there. The crowds began to disperse at about 1:00 a.m.

Some other photos are up on the website from the midnight prayer service, please check them out by clicking here.

Pulling on a lever you can't see

Great article on 40 Days for Life this morning from Patrick McIlheran of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"You guys are nuts!" shouted a woman driving past the Farwell Ave. sidewalk where Francis Dantzman stood.

She was right, in a way. A slight, retirement-aged man in red-plaid flannel, Dantzman rode his bike from his home in Mequon on a day of rain and tornado watches. He was going to ride it home. If he's not nuts, he's at least daring.

In between, around 3:45 on a momentarily sunny afternoon, he was holding a sign reading, "Abortion kills children." He was also holding a rosary, a big, folk-arty wooden one, praying for an end to the abortions taking place in the building behind him. He was praying silently, and he did not interact with anyone going in or out, other than simply to be seen.

So in a purely materialist sense, the notion he'd have an effect on the atrocities happening nearby was kind of nuts.

Dantzman, standing alone, wasn't really alone: He was part of 40 Days for Life, a series of prayer vigils that people opposed to abortion are holding in about 90 cities nationwide, including Appleton, Green Bay and Madison. The vigils began Sept. 26. So far, say organizers, at least here, there's been someone present every moment, except for one 15-minute stretch.

Yannick Ratnayake, 33, was in front of the building in a light drizzle much earlier in the day - about 5:15 a.m. With him were three other men, all about the age where they'd have to head off for work shortly thereafter, as Ratnayake would. Some held rosaries; all were praying. The signs were stacked nearby. At that hour, there would be practically no one to see them anyhow.

Being prayerful and present was as much the point as being seen, said Ratnayake. A father of four, he feels abortion not only ends a human life, it inflicts lasting harm on the women who undergo it and on the society that permits it. Prayer, fasting, repentance, giving up some sleep - "There's so much redemptive power in that," he says.

The Milwaukee vigil's been drawing about as many women as men, say organizers, though the men predominate during the night. For fathers particularly, says Ratnayake, it's a chance to show some moral leadership. If one looks for some sense in why the men would stand in front of a building that no one would enter or leave for hours, that might be a reason.

And praying seems to be what the pro-life movement can do these days. From the standpoint of politics, things are cloudy. Presidential front-runners in both parties favor legalized abortion. One of them, New York's Republican ex-mayor Rudy Giuliani, was in town that day, not a quarter-mile south. He probably didn't see the vigilists.

Ratnayake says the vigil is the first time he's protested anything. Other men said the same. One mentioned how he was moved by the emotional devastation still wracking a friend years after her abortion. Another, Jim Wassel, 51, of Merton, said he felt called to the issue when he rejoined the Catholic church a year ago.

"You can't just sit at home and not do anything," he said.

So, he was in front of the again-empty building at 9:30 p.m., as the rain held off and concert-goers took a smoking break in front of Shank Hall. A few came to talk now and then, said another late-night vigilist, David Prado. Mostly, said Wassel, the men were praying for the souls of the children killed that day and for the souls of the people who killed them. Prado said one evening, a woman walked up, said she'd had an abortion and asked if she was doomed to hell. No, Prado told her. They prayed for her, too.

Which tells us why it makes sense to just stand and pray. If one believes that abortion is a terrible evil, if one fears that, as Pope John Paul II put it, we're trapped in a "culture of death," and if one believes in the reality of a loving God, then repenting and praying and standing in front of an empty building make sense. They amount to pulling on a very powerful lever that can't be seen.

As John Paul also said, "In the designs of Providence, there are no mere coincidences."

Once, there were eight abortion clinics in Milwaukee, Dantzman points out. Now, there are two.

Patrick McIlheran is a Journal Sentinel editorial columnist. His e-mail address is pmcilheran@journalsentinel.com

Testimony from a 40 Days Participant

Testimony from Valerie Eilers, a 40 Days for Life participant.

I never thought in a million years that I would do something as bold as praying in front of an abortion clinic. I first heard about the 40 Days for Life campaign two months ago, and since that time, I questioned myself almost daily as to whether I’d be able to do it. During this time of discernment, my husband and I miscarried our fourth baby. Through the times of mourning, sadness, grief, and depression, I honestly hoped that God would exonerate me from participating in the vigil. By September 26, I could think of no reason not to participate except for fear.

Before getting married to my husband, my exposure to sex was one based on ignorance, sinfulness, and perversion of its true value. This is not the description one would expect of a person whose “education” about sex began in fifth grade and continued almost yearly throughout my public school career. To be truthful, I was not ignorant of the mechanics of sexual reproduction or of the anatomy of both male and female bodies.

What lacked in my sexual education was “the theology of the body.” I describe this as the soul’s connection to the physical act of sex. Without the soul, mankind would lack a feeling of purpose and completion; likewise sex without soul lacks purpose and integrity.

I may never know why sex was not addressed to me by my parents. Perhaps they, like the public school system, assumed that it was sufficient for me to learn about body mechanics, birth control, and disease prevention. The only thing I know for sure is that, by the time I had learned that abstinence was an option, it was already too late. At 16 years old, surrounded by what seemed at the time to be a unanimous majority of peers who were sexually active, I waited only for a person who I had a “long-term” relationship with (for appearance’s sake.) This was the devil’s sex- prompted by lust and an adolescent’s desire to fit in socially.

Having sex became to me a way to “purchase” affection, attention, and companionship during some of the loneliest, darkest, saddest years of my life. It was, like bulimia, drugs, and alcohol, a medicine I used to temporarily assuage the pains of my heart, soul, and mind. Whatever sanctity I may have inherently attributed to sex became tarnished more and more over time.

If poor self worth was the cause of my “prostitution,” each use and (especially) abuse exacerbated the horrible way I felt about myself.

Somewhere inside me, I knew that sex was only meant for the person I would marry. Yet everyone else, including my family who had taken me to the gynecologist for birth control at age 16, seemed to be saying the very opposite- if only by omitting that abstinence was an option.

Eight years ago, inevitably, I became pregnant out of wedlock, and it was again my sister who I told first. As was her habit, she interfered and told my mother about the pregnancy before I could. I remember sitting in that wingback chair facing the sofa where my irate mother and sister sat and issued the only choice I had, “Get an abortion, or you’re out.” I was an unwed and pregnant twenty-one year old woman. I wasn’t ready, but I wanted to do whatever was necessary to get ready to be a mother to the baby I thought of as my daughter Hunter. But, for me, there was no “choice” involved. I aborted Hunter, and no one ever talked about it.

Again, it seemed the devil’s choice was the only one: doing what was wrong and against my conscience for the sake of appearances and to comply with outside pressure. I went with a friend; I can’t remember if a family member even offered to go with me. As with every other trauma I’ve suffered in my life, I stuck a metaphorical sock in my mouth (probably food, alcohol, and drugs) so that my grief would be quiet enough not to disturb anyone.

From that time, I continued to plummet downward mentally and emotionally until, five years after the abortion, I finally reached rock bottom in my life. On August 23, 2004, I called out to God. I really didn’t know much about Him, except that He was the only one who could help me. I found out that being a Christian and/or believing in Christ carried with it a responsibility on my part. Like any other relationship, it required communication and openness to trust. To me, unlike relationships with human beings, this was neither burden nor risk. Perhaps the best part of my relationship with Christ was that it was intimate without being sexual. By this time in my life, “sexual” meant shame, sin, filth, and feeling robbed and violated.

God heard me, and He has healed me in many ways from the filth I’d accumulated from living contrary to His will. But, the culture of death has left its mark on me, and I’ve prayed so hard for God to put an end to the distortion I have about love, sex, and trust.

During the first year of my conversion to Christ, I relied heavily on my own reading of the Bible, as I’d been told that “all the answers are in the Bible.” Truthfully, I did find most of the inspiration and guidance I needed in there. However, for the healing and restoration I needed, and to stop repeating the same sins over and over again, I found redemption through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

Lately, I’ve been struggling and asking God, “How can sex be redeemed- to go from an unholy act to a beautiful and sacred act? It will take an erasure of all of the lewd, perverse, and harming images and experiences of my fallen past.

40 Days for Life was His answer and gift to me. Over the years since 1999, I often wished that there had been someone who reached out and revealed that abortion was not the only “choice” I had. I am sure, though, that my conversion was helped by the prayers of compassionate souls who prayed for women like me and for the end of abortion. I can’t go back and change what happened in my life, but I can pray for others and ask God to show the same mercy he showed to me. I can beg Him to call them also to repentance and new life. Thanks to 40 Days for Life, I can also stand up for what’s right and oppose the evil that robbed me of so much.

* * *

The first time I went to the vigil site, I prayed for one hour while the clinic was closed. Nothing but grace can account for the near absence of fear I felt during that hour. I’ve gone back, not out of guilt or obligation but to pray empathetically and to show love for the people inside. I’ll never know the result of my prayers, but I trust that God hears them and will help the people who are hurting, lost, and deceived by the evils of abortion.

The next time I went was a Friday, and the Planned Parenthood was open. Knowing that Fridays are the days on which abortions are performed, it was heart-breaking to see the women and couples going inside. Being familiar with the atmosphere and what goes on in such places, it was even more upsetting. A very young girl came with her mother, and it made me sad to think of how much destruction this “choice” may cause in that family.

In the end, grace has abounded in my life during these 40 Days for Life. I feel newfound peace, and I think Hunter not only forgives me but is also proud that I’m standing up for other unborn babies and showing compassion to their young parents. My husband and I have met new friends, and we no longer feel so alone or isolated. Our relationship has deepened, as well as our faith lives. Through prayer, fasting, and community outreach, I’m confident that the lies and works of the culture of death are being put to death on a cross. When we cast aside what is evil, it is put to death, and new life rises from the ashes. I can testify that it’s true.

Mid-Way Prayer Service

Please join us, if possible, next weekend Sunday, October 21st (arrive around 11:50 pm) to mark the little over midway point of the 40 Days for Life vigil. We will have the privilege of having Bishop Robert Morlino join us in vigil from Midnight-1am (Sunday night going into Monday morning, Oct 21-22)

Rosary at the Capitol

And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars."
-Apocalypse 12:1

Saturday, October 13th marks the 90th Anniversary of the Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima.

An organization called "America Needs Fatima" is organizing Rosary Rallies throughout the country this Saturday. At 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 13th, there will be a Rosary offered outside the Wisconsin State Capitol, at the State Street enterance. While this is not part of '40 Days for Life', this seems like a worthwhile endeavor. The scourge of abortion will not end in America unless we have recourse to the Lord Jesus, through his Mother.

Two Weeks...

An image of the Divine Mercy of Jesus stands across from the Madison Planned Parenthood.

We have now passed two weeks of continuous 24 hour a day prayer outside of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Madison, Wisconsin. Laus tibi, Christe! May Our Lord continue to touch hearts and bring about a renewed reverence for the gift of life!

We also certainly had some very encouraging stories from last week. Here is what one of the vigil participants told us about their experience praying outside the abortion center:

This morning a lady who had walked into the Planned Parenthood Clinic while we were praying came back out, looked at us, and said ‘I didn’t.’

I’ve been praying through Psalm 119 as a prayer for all who support abortion, that that they would turn and follow God’s laws. Today I stopped at verse 175 and prayed this for the unborn being brought into the clinic by their mothers, ‘Let me live that I may praise you.’

Another vigil participant on a different day mentioned that a young woman who went into Planned Parenthood for pregnancy testing came out to talk to those praying. She thanked them for being out there, and said their prayers worked. May the Lord be with both of these women.

***

In a recent story about 40 Days for Life in the Capital Times, one of the abortion center staff remarked, "If they want to waste their time standing out there that's their business." The problem with Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers, is that they have an incomplete understanding of reality, for they fail to see the importance and power of prayer. Only God has access to hearts, and only He can bring an end to abortion in America. Without prayer and without recourse to the Mercy of God, abortion will never come to an end in our country.

So we will continue to pray, especially for Madison's abortionist, Dr. Dennis Christensen.

Praying for Life: At Planned Parenthood clinic's doorsteps

The Catholic Herald has a lot of good articles this week about respect life month and 40 Days for Life. If you are able, please try to pick up a copy!

Here's their article on 40 Days for Life by Mary Uhler.

MADISON -- Thousands of people are praying for life on the doorsteps of Planned Parenthood facilities at 89 different locations in 33 states around the United States, including Madison.

They are joining in 40 Days for Life from September 26 to November 4. "This is the largest and longest simultaneous pro-life mobilization in American history," said David Bereit, national director of the campaign.

In an interview on his visit to the Madison vigil on September 27 and 28, Bereit explained how this campaign got started. Planned Parenthood built a clinic in College Station, Texas, where Bereit lived. A friend of his called and told him that 10 babies had been terminated at the clinic. "It hit me that I had to do something. The light went on."

He talked with his wife, Margaret, and two weeks later quit his job in the pharmaceutical industry. "God made it clear that I didn't have a choice in the matter. It's been a journey in faith but we wouldn't change a thing," he said.

Bereit became director of the Coaliton for Life in College Station, where he worked for four years. He encouraged people from 60 churches to stand and pray outside the local abortion clinic.

In the fall of 2004, he planned the first 40 Days for Life in College Station. It included prayer, fasting, and community outreach with volunteers visiting 25,000 households with pro-life literature.

"We saw a continual drop in abortions," he said, up to 28 percent the year of the 40-day vigil. "Planned Parenthood labeled us the most anti-choice place in America."

The 40 Days for Life spread to Dallas, then Green Bay, Wis., Houston, and other cities. "It is astounding how God has worked," said Bereit.

He encourages people to participate in the vigil. "Ultimately it falls on each of us. Our example speaks louder than words."

Respect Life Mass

As part of 'Respect Life' month, Bishop Robert Morlino from the Madison Diocese will be offering a Respect Life Mass on October 7th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church in downtown Madison.

For those interested, there will also be a Rosary March at Holy Redeemer Church (off of State Street) on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Photos from the Vigil Launch

Check out the Photos on the 40 Days for Life Madison website for the opening prayer vigil on September 26th.

National Plug

Nice, our blog got a plug from a national pro-life website. Jill Stanek, who is covering the events in Aurora, IL (they are now open, despite the courageous efforts of good people of faith down there), talks about the influence of blogs in shaping the debate surrounding Planned Parenthood's deception. Planned Parenthood used lies to get the city to get an abortion centered opened there, and while media coverage was originally favorable towards the pro-abortion side, eventually the non-conventional media helped get the word out about the dishonesty of Planned Parenthood.

Vigil Launch

We are already on day 4 of the Madison 40 Days for Life Vigil. Praise be to God!



The Vigil began with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26th. Father Rick Heilman of the Knights of Divine Mercy, and Dave Konkol from the House of Prayer, presided over the service, with about 60 others uniting with them in prayer.

Media coverage up to this point has been surprisingly fair. The Badger Herald (The UW's primary newspaper) had a very good article in Thursday's edition:

Pro-life group begins 40-day vigil
by Andrea Berg
Thursday, September 27, 2007

Anti-abortion rights activists gathered outside a Madison Planned Parenthood Wednesday evening to mark the beginning of a 40-day vigil to pray for women entering the clinic.

The 40 Days for Life campaign began three years ago in Texas, and this year, more than 90 groups will be participating in the 40 days of prayer and fasting throughout the nation.

The Madison event took place in front of Planned Parenthood at 3706 Orin Rd. The program stresses peace and the power of prayer and God.

“We just hope that more clinics end up closing down through the power of prayer,” said Steve Marshall, a participant in the vigil.

The opinions expressed by Marshall were echoed by many of the other people in attendance. Although those praying during the event do not intend to speak directly with people entering the clinic, they do hope their presence will be felt.

One of the speakers at the event, Tom Lang, discussed the effects he thinks the groups’ presence will have at this clinic.

“When we hear the statistic of 60 to 80 percent of women being coerced to have an abortion, these 40 days here will have a profound effect on women who are having second thoughts,” Lang said.

Lang and many of the other people present at the vigil hope to inform people about the options besides abortion. Group supporters also wish for legal action against abortion, but they are currently focused more on changing people’s personal feelings about it.

“We all pray for legal change, but it also has to be a conversion of hearts,” Lang said during an opening ceremony.

The presence of religious leaders was strongly felt at the kickoff for the campaign. Multiple religions had representation at the event and two of those leaders spoke during the opening prayer ceremony.

One of them, Pastor Dave Konkol, expressed his opinions on abortion and his views on the importance of prayer. Konkol also offered a message to unborn children who may be aborted.

“We cry out tonight for the innocent, unborn children who are unwanted, and we say to them that you are wanted,” Konkol said.

The organizer for the event, Amy Hying, said she has always felt strongly about abortion. Hying, like the many other people in attendance, believes that God has given them this event to begin the process of changing people’s minds about abortion.

Abortion, Hying said, is actually killing two people: the unborn child and the mother, who dies spiritually.

“So many women have had abortions and are in pain,” Hying said after the opening proceedings.

However, according to Lisa Boyce, vice president of public affairs for Planned Parenthood, the campaign’s outreach efforts are counterproductive.

“If they were really interested in reducing the incidences of abortion, they would instead put their efforts towards enhancing women’s reliability on clinics to prevent unintended pregnancies,” Boyce said.

Boyce added the campaign has never deterred people from entering the clinic in the past.

“It only delays women from seeking out treatment and puts her health at risk,” Boyce said. “It puts off exams that could potentially reveal cervical cancer or a sexually transmitted disease that could then be passed on if not caught right away.”

The Madison Capitol Times also had a good story on the vigil in Friday's newspaper:

Abortion foes begin 40-day clinic protest
Hannah Young
Correspondent for The Capital Times — 9/28/2007 11:52 am

For the second time this year, anti-abortion activists are gathering outside the Madison Abortion Clinic for a 40-day demonstration, which so far has been peaceful, according to a staffer at the clinic.

The protesters holding vigil outside the Madison Abortion Clinic at 3706 Orin Road are part of a national campaign called 40 Days for Life, which organized sit-ins outside abortion clinics in 89 cities across the nation. The demonstrations all began Wednesday at midnight.

According to a press release from Wisconsin Right to Life, activists will spend 40 days outside abortion clinics praying and fasting.

The campaign's Madison coordinator, Amy Hying, said there are currently around 200 people signed up. She said the average shift lasts three hours, and at least two people will be at the site praying throughout the 40 days.

"We just come here in prayer and peace and love because we know that our society is being hurt by abortion," Hying said this morning in a phone interview. "We come here as ambassadors of joy."

Hying said the demonstrators were excited Thursday because David Bereit, the national campaign director for 40 Days for Life, was in Madison to visit the site and participate in the vigil.

Kim, an employee at the Madison Abortion Clinic who declined to give her last name, said the protesters have been peaceful. She added that protesters are not anything new for the clinic and that they typically have a couple a week.

"If they want to waste their time standing out there that's their business," Kim said of the 40 Days for Life protesters. "We haven't had any incidents."

In Wisconsin, 40 Days for Life vigils are also being held in Milwaukee, Green Bay and Grand Chute.

David Bereit, the nationwide coordinator for 40 Days for Life, stopped by the pray with the Madison faithful outside the Planned Parenthood on Thursday.

Continue to pray that God may use this vigil to convert hearts and minds!

Vigil Begins at 6:00 p.m. Tonight

Please join us at 6:00 p.m. tonight! We will begin the Madison Prayer Vigil outside of the East Side Planned Parenthood.

Update Out of Aurora

The Prayer Vigil has already hit 40 days, and continues down in Aurora. The Planned Parenthood, which would have been the largest abortion center in the country and was scheduled to open this week, remains closed. Here is an update from ABC News:

By TARA BURGHART
Sept. 20, 2007

A federal judge Thursday refused to order Aurora officials to let Planned Parenthood open a clinic where abortions would be performed while authorities investigate whether the organization broke any laws when it applied for building permits.

U.S. District Judge Charles Norgle rejected Planned Parenthood's request for a preliminary injunction, which would have allowed the suburban clinic to open as early as Friday.

He said Planned Parenthood needed to provide more proof that Aurora officials are treating the clinic differently than it has similar businesses engaged in permit or zoning debates. That's something the organization's attorneys could do in future filings, the judge said.

"By no means is this case over. By no means," Norgle said.

The 22,000-square-foot, $7.5 million building in Aurora, about 35 miles west of Chicago, stands finished but empty. It was supposed to open this past Tuesday, but Aurora officials would not provide the necessary occupancy permits.

The chapter that will run the facility -- Planned Parenthood/Chicago Area -- applied for various local permits under the name of a subsidiary called Gemini Office Development.

Planned Parenthood officials and attorneys say that decision was made to protect the clinic's staff and construction workers from the types of protests happening outside the clinic now.

City of Aurora attorney Lance Malina argued to Norgle that the city has a right to investigate whether local laws were followed during the permit process, and to make sure the city was not defrauded.

The city of Aurora commissioned an outside review last month, but two attorneys were let go over potential conflicts of interest. The city is now awaiting an investigation and advice from the Kane County state's attorney.

Christopher Wilson, representing Planned Parenthood, said if the medical facility was a place where dentists or dermatologists were going to work, Aurora officials would not be holding such an in-depth review.

He said the clinic is being targeted for extra scrutiny because abortions will be performed there.

Catholic Herald Article

Article from this week's edition of the Madison Catholic Herald

Forty Days for Life: Begins September 26 in Madison
MADISON -- This fall, from September 26 to November 4, Madison will be uniting with more than 80 cities in 32 states for the largest simultaneous pro-life mobilization in history - the nationwide 40 Days for Life campaign.

Madison will join together with Milwaukee, Appleton, and Green Bay in Wisconsin to hold a 24 hour a day, seven days a week prayer vigil outside of local abortion centers to pray to God for an end to abortion.

Some leaders are saying that, with God's help, this effort could mark the beginning of the end of abortion in America. Forty Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign that has generated measurable lifesaving results in every community where it has been implemented. Some cities have reported as much as a 28 percent drop in local abortion numbers.

What is 40 Days for Life? It is a vigil based on peaceful prayer and fasting, using the biblically significant time period of 40 days. The 40 Days for Life campaign is made up of three key components:

Prayer and fasting: inviting people of faith throughout the city to join together for 40 days of fervent prayer and fasting for an end to abortion.
Those participating pray for their preborn brothers and sisters who are in danger of loosing their lives in their earliest moments. They pray for those women who feel trapped and alone, and feel abortion is their only option. They pray for those women and men who have already chosen abortion, and are in such need of healing because of their decision. They also pray for abortion doctors and abortion center staff, for they too are children of the same God who loves them and who longs for their conversion.

It could very well be that abortion is one of those society-wide devils that require people to humble themselves through a disciplined and simultaneous period of fasting. What does it mean to fast? While there are many different methods, fasting ultimately involves saying "no" to oneself. By denying oneself of those legitimate things to which one may have an inordinate attachment, whether it be food or other material goods such as television, persons allow God to work within them more actively and unimpeded.

Peaceful vigil: standing for life through a 40-day peaceful, prayerful vigil giving public witness outside the local abortion facility, Planned Parenthood, 3706 Orin Rd., Madison.


Community outreach: taking a positive, upbeat pro-life message to every corner of the city through media efforts, church presentations, flyers, petitions, and public visibility.
People are encouraged to join in the vigil next Wednesday, Sept. 26, outside Planned Parenthood on 3706 Orin Rd., off of Highway 51 in Madison at 6 p.m. for the beginning prayer service for 40 Days for Life. People will be gathering together to begin 40 consecutive days of prayer, keeping a peaceful presence every hour of the day. People are encouraged to come out as often as possible during the prayer vigil to be a witness for life.

For more information, visit Madison's vigil Web site at www.40daysforlife.com/madison For more information regarding the campaign in Wisconsin, visit www.40daysforlifewi.com or call 1-877-LIFE-360.

Today we are 8 days from the begining of 40 Days for Life nationwide

Let us pray,
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Come, Father of the poor!
Come, treasures which endure!
Come, Light of all that live!

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, fill us with devotion to God alone. In the Risen Christ, we welcome You, O Spirit of truth, whom the Father sends in Jesus' name. Wash clean the sinful soul, and rain down your grace that we may be one in fidelity to our Lord Jesus, Christ. Amen.

9 Days Out

With nine days before the nationwide vigil begins, please join us in praying to the Holy Spirit for the success of this vigil. We'll be posting a brief prayer here each day until the Vigil begins.

Let us pray,
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Holy Spirit, Lord of light,
From Your clear celestial height
Your pure beaming radiance give

Almighty and eternal God, send forth Your Spirit, who brought order from chaos at the beginning of the universe, and peace to the Lord's disciples. Grant that we, as your creation, baptized in your Spirit, may be filled with the seven gifts so that we may forever do your will and renew the face of the earth. Amen.

Final Meeting

Our final planned 40 Days for Life Meeting will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee, located on 209 South Street. The meeting is Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you have not had the chance to come to any of our other meetings, please join us! We will once again air Being Human, and will talk about praying outside an abortion center.

If your Church or pro-life organization would like any of the 40 Days for Life Madison Team come to speak to you, please contact us at 40daysforlifemadison@gmail.com and we will be happy to do so!

40 Days for Life in Aurora

For those interested in following the ongoing 40 Days for Life in Aurora, Jill Stanek has an excellent blog, following the vigil.

In her most recent blog, she quotes an email from Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards sent to her supporters.

Planned Parenthood is under attack.

To be absolutely clear: the largest anti-choice protest we've seen in a very long time is happening at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Aurora, Illinois, at this very moment.

It's easy to ignore if you don't live there or aren't a woman trying to seek health care services at the clinic. But I hope you won't ignore it, because what's happening in Aurora is what's happening to all of us who care about choice in America.

We are facing no less than the most emboldened protest by the most radical anti-choice people I've ever encountered. They've made our brand new health center in Aurora ground zero in their fight against women's access to health care. And they are determined to keep our clinic from ever opening.

If there was ever a time for us to ask for help from our pro-choice friends and family - this is it.

First, take a simple action that demonstrates how much support Planned Parenthood and the women we serve have from all over the country. Click here to tie a hot-pink ribbon at the clinic - one ribbon for every supporter.

Then, tell your circle of friends and family what's happening in Aurora and what it means for access to reproductive health care and choice for all of us.

If you know people in the Chicago area, encourage them to put up a lawn sign or volunteer.

The protesters are determined to stop us, it's true. But we're taking this battle into our own hands - and into YOUR own hands. We're determined to open this clinic any day now, and with more warmth, more strength, and more solidarity with our supporters across the country than ever before.

Thank you for doing your part today.

Sincerely,


Cecile Richards
President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

P.S. Thank you for your action today - if you can, we'd be grateful for your financial support as well. Any amount will help.

Planned Parenthood is taking 40 Days for Life very seriously. Their fear alone should be enough of an incentive to get involved here in Madison, or at any other of the 89 vigil sites for that matter.

40 Days for Life starts September 26th

Great article by Gordon Govier from allgodspeople.com. The article talks about the Madison vigil, and also our fearless leader.

Amy Hying, an accountant for a local trucking company, uses a lot of spreadsheets. But one in particular is very important in her life right now. It's the one she's using for the 40 Days for Life campaign that begins September 26th.

The spreadsheet has 960 spaces, one for each hour of each day between September 26th and November 4th. At least two volunteers will be signing up for each of those hours, to pray in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic at 3706 Orin Road on Madison's east side. Madison is one of 89 cities in 33 states involved in the 40 Days for Life campaign. Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Appleton vigils are the other Wisconsin cities involved.

Amy says the campaign has the backing of both Wisconsin Right to Life and ProLife Wisconsin. And Madison churches are starting to get behind the movement. "It's a big thing to bring all the denominations together," she says.

Madison was once the home of at least three abortion clinics, and the scene of some large-scale prolife demonstrations two decades ago. Now with only one clinic, there have been fewer demonstrations in recent years. There are still people who go to pray in front of the clinic though, something that Amy has done on a weekly basis for the past several years. "It isn't always easy," she says.

Sidewalk counseling is not part of the plan for the 40 Days for Life campaign. In fact volunteers are being asked to sign a "statement of peace" that includes the assertions:

I understand that graphic images and profanity are not allowed on any clothing or signs.
I will not threaten, physically contact, or verbally abuse the employees, volunteers, or customers or anyone using the facility
"It's all about prayer and fasting," Hying says. So far about 30 volunteers have signed up for shifts of varying links. Right now she is trying to connect with some men's ministries, who might be interested in taking night shifts.

The leaders of the campaign note that 40 days is a significant time period for major changes to take place.

Noah experienced a transformation during 40 days of rain.
Moses was transformed by 40 days on Mount Sinai
The spies were transformed as a result of 40 days in the Promised Land
David was transformed by Goliath’s 40 day challenge
Elijah was transformed when God gave him 40 days of strength from one meal.
The city of Nineveh was transformed when God gave them 40 days to get their act together.

The disciples were transformed after 40 days with Jesus following His resurrection.
An organizational/training meeting will be held tonight (Sept. 10th) at Madison's International House of Prayer, 1714 Eagan Road. Another meeting will be held on the west side Thursday night, Sept. 13th, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 602 Everglade Drive. For more information, contact Amy Hying: 40DaysForLifeMadison@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 698-3877. And check out the local website at http://www.40daysforlife.com/madison/.

Of course, it is very beautiful to see those spreadsheets filled by people committing to come out and pray, so please check out our calendar and let Amy know if you can come for an hour or more!

Meetings This Week

Just a reminder, 40 Days for Life Madison will have two meetings this week, one on the east side and one on the west side of Madison. No need to come to both.

The first will be Monday, September 10th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the House of Prayer, located at 1714 Eagan Road, near the Princeton Club next to West Towne Mall. We'll be talking about our mission of prayer and will be showing the documentary 'Being Human'.

The next meeting will occur at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Thursday, September 13th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. St. Thomas Aquinas is located at 602 Everglade Dr.

Yes, we know it is the first Monday Night game tonight, but it is a double header, so it is okay to miss one game.

So How Much is One Human Life Worth?

Very Tragic...here are the prices for abortions at our local Planned Parenthood. Seems it costs a little more the older the baby. Very sad.

Medical Abortion: RU486- $495.00, Methotrexate- $495.00

Surgical Abortion:
Pre-Abortion Counseling/Ultrasound- $100
up to 12 weeks LMP- $395
13 & 14 weeks LMP- $495
15 & 16 weeks LMP- $650
17 & 18 weeks LMP- $825
19 & 20 weeks LMP- $1050
21 & 22 weeks LMP- $1350
23 weeks LMP - $1750
More than 23 weeks LMP- $2250

Let us pray that, through this vigil, the Holy Spirit softens the hearts of all those working in the abortion industry.

Extremist protesters are on the horizon!

It seems as if 40 Days for Life is causing no small amount of consternation for abortion rights supporters, as evidenced by this notice put out by the Houston area Planned Parenthood, which has already experienced one 40 Days for Life Vigil.

At least one can say that Planned Parenthood is never boring!

Pro-life vigil: Shows importance of praying in spirit of peace

Bishop Robert C. Morlino talks to the crowd gathered on the sidewalk outside the Planned Parenthood Clinic on Madison's east side during the pro-life vigil for an end to abortion. (Catholic Herald photo by Kat Wagner)

The following article appeared in the August 30, 2007 edition of the Madison Catholic Herald, regarding the Diocese of Madison Seminarian's annual Respect Life Vigil.

MADISON -- The vigil outside the eastside clinic where abortions are performed was as peaceful a witness to the desire to end abortion as the silent reminder on the billboard opposite the clinic that reads "Defend Life."

People entering the Planned Parenthood Clinic either stared at those gathered for the vigil, especially during the talk by Bishop Robert C. Morlino and the rosary that followed, or they avoided eye contact. Occasionally passing drivers would heckle, beep their horns, or offer crude gestures.

But those at the vigil, some sitting in lawn chairs and others standing or kneeling, simply held their beads or pro-life signs and continued in the spirit of prayer.

"We're not here in a spirit of human combat," Bishop Morlino said. "We're here in a spirit of spiritual combat, which from our point of view is always a spirit of peace."

The vigil was organized by intern Scott Emerson with the Diocese of Madison Office of Vocations and associate director Tom Nelson of the Office of Justice and Pastoral Outreach.

The prayer outside the clinic off of Stoughton Rd. was held simultaneous with Eucharistic Adoration at nearby St. Peter Parish and a prayer walk from Holy Redeemer Parish downtown, which was organized by pro-life members of that parish.

Still solidly pro-life
This year is the fourth year the vigil was held, but, unlike previous years when the vigil would span the course of the night, it was planned for the daylight hours over two days.

The crowd was at least 40 thick for more than an hour during the second day and included not only 12 priests and several seminarians but also laypeople of all ages from around the diocese. They squeezed onto the public space of the sidewalk and the grass beside the road in order to hear the bishop's talk and pray the rosary with him.

At other times the vigil crowd was sparser, though there were always at least two seminarians present to carry on the prayer.

The vigil, said Msgr. Jim Bartylla, director of the Office of Vocations, was an opportunity not only to be faithful, but also to bring the crime against the unborn at Planned Parenthood and the Catholic belief in the dignity of life to the forefront of people's thoughts.

Especially with the bishop present, it provided a symbol to strengthen people to continue the fight, he said: "I think it helps people to know the church is still solidly pro-life, and we're going to remain visibly committed to that."

The vigil also served as an opportunity to train the seminarians, he said. "The concrete nature of watching people go in and come out of the clinic . . . it's a very pastoral moment for seminarians to see the pain and death that goes on daily in society."

Society of violence
"More and more people are tending to solve their anger or their disappointment of the failure in their life by killing somebody," Bishop Morlino said in his talk. "When we do that, we create a society of incredible violence."

"I really believe that it all started with abortion," he said. "Because death was invisible, because the massacre was invisible and we didn't see it, we took it for granted and that's the start of the slippery slope."

Abortion, the bishop said, hurts women because it turns the womb into a tomb.

"It's death-dealing to the baby, but it's also death-dealing to the mother, insofar as she is a woman, because it deprives her of her womanhood and creates a mind-body split," he said.

"So let's pray for the women who are tempted to abortion and who have abortions today in a special way," the bishop said, "not seeking to condemn, but hoping that they would be invited to grow in truth of their own womanhood and hoping that, if they have had an abortion, they would never hesitate to turn to the loving mercy of God."

Members of 40 Days for Life Madison participated in the Vigil, covering the night hours when the Seminarians were not present.

It would seem the Vigil had some positive fruits. A couple of the 40 Days for Life crew were present at the abortion center before it opened during the 7:00 a.m. hour on August 16th. Although no signs were being held and vigil participants did not aggressively engage the young women entering the Planned Parenthood, one couple did stop by the center before it opened, as they had a morning appointment to schedule an abortion.

After about 15 minutes of waiting, the young man who drove to Planned Parenthood with his girlfriend left his car and came up to those of us who were praying outside the abortion center, asking about why we were out there. After talking with the young man for a few minutes, he revealed that they had drove from out of town to schedule an abortion. He did not really want to go through with the abortion, but his girlfriend thought they should.

Although we were a little unprepared, we did have a good conversation with young man, and we talked to him about the nearby CareNet Pregnancy Center. He seemed excited to hear about alternative care that was available outside of an abortion, so he and his girlfriend left the facility, apparently intending to go to CareNet for service instead. We later received confirmation that a young couple did stop by CareNet that morning.

Of course, it may not be possible to know the ending of this story. But we trust in the love and mercy of God. We hope there will be many more stories like this during the 40 Days for Life throughout the country. Sometimes, just being there for someone to talk to in a peaceful and non-judgemental way, can make a huge difference in helping a young couple handle what is certainly a very difficult situation, and not make a decision they will later regret.

Seminarian Vigil for Life

Some comments made by His Excellency, Bishop Robert Morlino, at the Diocese of Madison Seminarians annual vigil for life, held outside the Madison Planned Parenthood earlier this month.

Madison Vigil Calendar

The Madison 40 Days for Life Vigil Calendar is up and running!

There is also a link to our vigil calendar on the right side of the blog, under Wisconsin Pro-Life groups. Please take a look at this when you have the opportunity.

40 Days for Life Madison is attempting to have at least two people praying outside the Planned Parenthood abortion center for every hour of the day during the vigil, which will start on September 26 and end on November 4. For those time slots listed on the calendar as 'filled', we already have at least two people committed to come and pray during that hour. If it says "1/2 filled", that means we have only one person committed at the present time, and need an additional person.

Please take a look and consider committing to come out and pray during a time slot not already filled. Please send us an email at 40DaysforLifeMadison@gmail.com, or call (877) Life-360 for questions or to sign up.

Chicago Pro-Lifers Launch Massive Effort to Stop New Abortion Clinic from Opening - 40 Day Vigil

As 40 Days for Life Madison and other communities prepare for the nationwide vigil on September 26, please keep this effort in your prayers.

AURORA, Illinois, August 20, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A massive pro-life press conference and rally was held near the newly-constructed facilities of a mega Planned Parenthood abortion mill on Thursday. The event was part of a full-scale campaign launched by pro-lifers from the Chicago district to prevent the clinic’s scheduled opening this fall.

About four hundred people attended the pro-life rally that was held at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora. Pro-life flyers, little plastic figures of foetuses and other information and promotional material lined the tables inside the building.

Jim Sedlak of STOPP Planned Parenthood, one of the keynote speakers during the day’s events, encouraged the pro-life campaign, mentioning another case in which protesters stopped a facility by raising legal challenges. At the rally Sedlack encouraged pro-lifers to continue their fight against Planned Parenthood because it “can” be beaten.

Ohio Right to Life director Denise Mackura also pumped enthusiasm into listeners, members of Families Against Planned Parenthood, saying, “We fight with you to stop this kind of poison that's going to flow into the city of Aurora when this facility opens up. Mackura, who will be discussing various legal options with lawyers and advisors next week, described specific practical ways to stop the clinic from opening.

Jason Craddock of the TMS Pro-Life Law Centre spoke enthusiastically about people’s rights and freedom of speech, and finally, Elizabeth Earl explained the “40 Days for Life” Prayer Vigil, which is being held outside the clinic this month. At the end of the rally, Pro-Life Action League Director Eric Schiedler, the Master of Ceremonies, invited people to participate in a candlelight vigil outside the abortion clinic. Here about 60 people sung hymns and prayed for an end to abortion.

The new Planned Parenthood facility, is nick-named the “Abortion Fortress” because of its high brick walls, bullet-proof glass and security cameras. Built under the name “Gemini Medical Office,” the 22,000 square foot building at Oakhurst Drive and New York Street will offer contraceptives, pregnancy tests, counselling and testing for sexually transmitted diseases, the Daily Herald Reports. According to president and CEO of Planned Parenthood/Chicago Area Steve Trombley, abortions will comprise about 10% of patient care.

Outside the abortion facilities that are scheduled to open on September 18, pro-life witnesses held pictures of babies and signs that said, “Mommy, let me live.” They planted dozens of small white crosses in the ground with the words “John Doe baby” written across the front.

A group of pro-choice protesters also showed up outside the Center during the rally, but they did not have a permit to picket and were confined to a sidewalk along one side of the building.

Referring to the abortion site, Scheidler stated, “Planned Parenthood snuck into town.” He continued, “They were nearly finished building this place before we learned about it. We haven't got much time to stop them, but we're doing all we can.”

In a last minute, full-force effort to halt the clinic’s opening, the Chicago-based Pro-Life Action League, supported by scores of pro-lifers from the area, launched a massive “40 Days for Life” campaign. Since 8 a.m. on August 9, they have been constantly praying, fasting and holding a 24-hour vigil outside the abortion site. Pro-lifers from all different Christian denominations in the Chicago area have joined the effort, begging God to stop abortion and keep the clinic from opening.

Local pro-lifers are hopeful, for the “40 Days for Life” Campaign has proved tremendously (and many say miraculously) successful throughout the United States. In areas where the prayer campaign has been launched, abortion clinics have closed and many other major victories for the pro-life movement have been won. The largest “40 Days for Life” Campaign is scheduled to take place in cities across the nation starting on September 26 (See http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jul/07072602.html).

“This is the most powerful grassroots pro-life effort I've ever seen,” said Scheidler. “We can scarcely keep track of the prayer pledges coming in. The people of Aurora and their neighbors in nearby towns do not want an abortion clinic here. Period.” Scheidler declared, “Whether it's 40 days or prayer or 40 years of effort, we will shut down the Abortion Fortress of Aurora.”

Pro-lifers are encouraged to attend a massive pro-life demonstration in front of the Planned Parenthood facility next Saturday morning, August 25 from 9 to 11 a.m.

For more information about the fight against Planned Parenthood in Aurora and to sign-up for the 24-hour prayer vigil outside the Aurora abortion clinic visit: http://familiesagainstplannedparenthood.org/