SW News: Amid insurmountable odds and oppression, Spain witnessed a total of 15,600 hours of prayers in front of abortion clinics during the 40 Day for Life prayer campaign during Lent. This marks a 51 percent rise when compared with the initiative last year which clocked 10,300 hours of prayers.

One of the organizers, Gomez Monedero, spoke to the Catholic portal religionenlibertad.com saying that “the commitment has been deep and deep-rooted since the hours of prayer have increased considerably compared to the last campaign. This, without a doubt, is a sign of hope because God makes the commitment of those praying to grow when necessary and gives us the gift of seeing the fruits.”

On the first day of the campaign itself, a baby was saved from abortion at the Dator Clinica in Madrid. Seven more babies were saved from being killed in the womb during the campaign thanks to the incessant prayers of Catholic volunteers and activists.

Alicia Gómez Monedero, communications manager of 40 Days for Life, said, "Eight mothers have approached those praying to say 'yes to life' and continue with their pregnancies" throughout the 40 days of prayer and fasting between February 22 and April 2.” She explained that out of the eight, four women refused an abortion in Madrid abortion facilities. The others said No to termination of pregnancy in the cities of Barcelona, Cordoba, Valladolid and Cadiz.

In spite of new laws that persecute public prayer and vigils, hundreds of volunteers from around the country took part in the campaign spread across 22 cities. In fact, Spain was one of the few countries that set the pace for the success of this global prayer initiative. The activists have repeatedly promised not to stop praying and the rescue of eight babies has bolstered their resolve.  The last rescue happened on March 27.