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Today’s email:

One of the constant themes I hear is that there is
incredible darkness at abortion facilities. Even on a
bright, sunny day, there is darkness. You can feel it.

Christ said that we are the light of the world. Thank
you for bringing peace to places that have no peace ...
and light to places that dwell in darkness.

AUSTIN, TEXAS

The idea of being a light in darkness was present at
the midpoint event in Austin, where the local team
organized a candlelight vigil at the abortion center.

There’s a picture of an adult and two small children
that shows the spirit of that event most clearly. To
see the photo, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1332

The light is indeed shining in Austin — another young
woman has changed her mind about abortion.

“She and her boyfriend talked to a sidewalk counselor
who was standing next to the driveway,” said Elizabeth,
the local coordinator in Austin.

“They never got out of their car! After chatting for
a couple minutes, they told the counselor thanks and
drove home,” she said. “They are keeping their baby!”

SIOUX CITY, IOWA

Every time I tell a story about children praying at a
40 Days for Life vigil, I get more stories! Here’s
another one.

Karmen in Sioux City sent pictures of two groups of
students praying at their vigil on a day that abortions
were being performed at Planned Parenthood.

“One school traveled one hour to our site and the
other traveled around 45 minutes,” she said. “We had
at least 50 students and it was very exciting!”

To see the photos, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1332

ITHACA, NEW YORK

Mary Anne in Ithaca also sent a picture of children
praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil.

“It is their innocence that touched me,” she said.
“There is certainly something that happens when
children are outside praying.”

Mary Anne watched as a van passed by. The driver
stopped, backed up, and gave the children a thumbs-up.
“I am sure it was encouraging for them as it was for us
adults,” she said. “I was blessed by the presence of
the children knowing that the Lord is raising up a new
generation for Him.”

To see the picture, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1332

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

Suzanne took her three children — ages 7, 9 and 14 —
to the 40 Days for Life vigil in Pittsburgh. Shortly
after they got there, the 7-year-old put one foot
across the white stripe that marks Planned Parenthood’s
property line.

An employee came charging out and issued a sharp order
to “MOVE AWAY!”

The children got rattled ... and Suzanne started
wondering if bringing the family was such a good idea.
But about that time, a man tapped her on the shoulder.
After what had just happened, she wasn’t sure what
to expect.

But a very big guy with a very gentle voice said, “I
just have to tell you that I am so pleased to see that
you are teaching your young children how important it
is to stand up for what is right. You are doing the
right thing, you know. God bless you, ma’am, and God
bless your children.”

“That man was sent by God — no doubt about it,” said
Suzanne. “Thank you, Jesus, for giving me just what
I needed, just at the most perfect time!”

Day 30 Ping -- stop by a Planned Parenthood during the last 10 days of 40 Days for Life -- even if it is for a short time.

Day 30 - October 21

Intention:

That those tempted to abort may understand that their child is already present, and already a real person.

Scripture:

And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

-- Luke 1:41-44

Reflection:

Jesus not only loves unborn children -- He was one himself!

Think about this for a moment.

We often hear people speak of a pregnant mother by saying, "She's expecting a child." Now if one is expecting a package, the package is not yet there. As reflected in our verse for today, however, this is not the case with the mother. Her gift is already there. The pregnant woman, a mother already, does not have a child "on the way," but has a child, already present and in full possession of his or her human rights, starting with the right to life.

Prayer:

Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem. As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life