SW News: This year’s 40 Days For Life initiative will begin on Feb. 22 Ash Wednesday. Thousands of pro-life supporters will take part in this endeavor marked by prayer, fasting and vigils outside abortion clinics in 64 countries around the world. Since its inception in 2004, prayers have helped save the lives of 22,829 babies around the world. It has also resulted in the closure of 132 abortion facilities and the conversion of 247 employees in the abortion industry.

The peaceful vigils will be around the clock with the huge participation of numerous pro-life outfits and Catholic organizations. During the 40 days of prayer and fasting, the message of the sanctity of human life will be taken to the community and there will be talk shows, editorials, and the sharing of testimonies. During this period, individuals, schools, parishes and families will be enlisted to join this noble campaign to pray for the protection of the unborn.
In various countries, including the United States, preparations are underway at the diocesan level to enlist people for the 40 Days For Life. Reports from Anchorage in the US state of Alaska indicate that pro-lifers are going to host mega prayer vigils outside the Planned Parenthood Clinic on Lake Otis Parkway from Feb. 22 until April 2. Hundreds are slated to take part in this initiative that takes place before one of the biggest abortion facilities in the state.

Members of this upcoming event took part in the recently concluded global conclave in the Polish city of Krakow. During the event in which delegates from 20 nations took part, there were testimonials. One of them was shared by Ramona Trevino, a former director of a Planned Parenthood clinic, who is now a pro-life crusader and coordinator of one of the campaigns. Special mention was made about Poland where the number of abortions has gone down to 200 each year. Spanish national coordinator of 40 Days For Life Nayeli Rodriguez was given a special award.

The event also witnessed the celebration of the Holy Mass in different languages and the recitation of the Rosary in Latin.