MADISON — People are invited to join Christians around the world to pray, fast, and peacefully witness to end abortion during the Fall 40 Days for Life campaign.
Madison will be one of some 238 sites in six countries participating in simultaneous programs from September 22 to October 31. This is the largest campaign to date since 40 Days for Life started three years ago.
Since then, it has mobilized more than 350,000 people in 307 cities across all 50 states as well as locations in other nations.
This year marks the largest Canadian participation. There will also be vigils held in Australia, Denmark, Northern Ireland, and — for the first time — England.
It is estimated that over 2,811 lives have been saved from abortion. However, more needs to be done, said Shawn Carney, national campaign director.
“There’s a sense of urgency — more lives are being lost to abortion every day with no apparent end in sight — that requires an active, prayerful response,” he said. “People are responding to that call, and it is showing amazing results.”
According to Laura Karlen of 40 Days for Life in Madison, people will be keeping vigil 24 hours per day for 40 days from Wednesday, Sept. 22, to Sunday, Oct. 31, at the east side Planned Parenthood, 3706 Orin Rd., Madison.
“We are praying and witnessing for life — come be a part of this life-saving work,” said Karlen.
There will be a kick-off event in Madison on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m. at the recently purchased building across the street from Planned Parenthood. The kick-off event will include a visit by Shawn Carney, food, fellowship, and prayers at the vigil site by Fr. Brian Dulli of Sacred Hearts Parish in Sun Prairie.
Signing up for vigil hours (volunteers are especially needed during nighttime hours) can be done online at www.vigilforlife.org or by calling Karlen at 608-445-2064.