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| Fr. John Zuhlsdorf (“Fr. Z.”) leads prayers at the closing vigil for 40 Days for Life on Tuesday, Nov. 5. This year’s vigil to end abortion lasted from September 25 to November 3 near the Planned Parenthood clinic on Madison’s east side. (Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash) |
MADISON — The so-called “drizzle” that had the appearance of a full-blown rain shower wasn’t enough to keep about three dozen people from coming out to mark the end of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Madison.
40 Days for Life is an annual vigil of prayer, fasting, and peacefully witnessing to end abortion. For the past several years, the vigil has taken place outside the Planned Parenthood clinic on Madison’s east side. This year’s vigil ran from September 25 to November 3.
A moment of prayer
Fr. John Zuhlsdorf, also known as “Fr. Z.,” led everyone in prayer at the closing vigil held the night of November 5. The Knights of Columbus Honor Guard stood guard at the vigil site.
Father Zuhlsdorf praised everyone for their efforts — praying, sidewalk counseling, and keeping everything organized — but also said it was a time to reflect on what still needs to be done and not to be too caught up in the pride of accomplishment.
He said while “we remember the failings of our first parents” and “remember our own faults and failings,” the faithful can avoid falling into sin by making “better use of the sacraments,” especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Father Zuhlsdorf then led those gathered in petitions and a Rosary while everyone stood under umbrellas on the sidewalk outside the clinic.
He closed the prayer vigil reflecting on the number 40 and its significance throughout the Bible — the great flood that lasted 40 days, the Israelites spending 40 years in the desert, and Jesus praying and fasting alone for 40 days before he began his public ministry.
Father Zuhlsdorf said like those examples, the work was not done when the number 40 was reached. He also said the work cannot be done alone and everyone needs to ask for the “help of our angels,” even the guardian angels of those who work at Planned Parenthood.
He reminded everyone gathered to continually examine their conscience and avoid “sins of omission.” He said those sins led to the “terrible sin of abortion.”
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Closing reception
40 Days for Life volunteers then escaped the rain for a reception at St. Peter Church, on Madison’s east side.
While everyone enjoyed cake and other snacks, Vigil for Life President Bette Weisshaar thanked the volunteers for their help and shared facts about this year’s vigil.
New efforts to fill every shift of the 24/7 schedule before the vigil began gave them a “good head start,” Weisshaar said.
Eighteen parishes from the diocese, including those farther away from Madison in Baraboo and Montello, had groups that took the same shift each week. Groups within parishes took shifts, as well as men’s groups in the diocese. Five different Knights of Columbus chapters took a weekly shift.
Weisshaar was happy to announce there were three “turnaways” — when someone does not go into the clinic after speaking with volunteers — and two babies saved during the 40 days.
365 for Life
Weisshaar reminded everyone the work is not over. With another 40 Days vigil compete, the 365 for Life effort picks up again. 365 for Life is a year-round vigil where prayer warriors and sidewalk counselors are outside the Planned Parenthood clinic during its business hours.
Volunteers are always needed to fill these hours, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which are believed to be the days abortions are performed. For more information, including how to sign up, visit www.VigilForLife.org