MADISON — On September 23, 40 Days for Life returned to Madison to continue its tradition of prayer, fasting, and grassroots educational outreach to end abortion.
Begun in 2004 in Texas, the 40-day 24-hour prayer vigil occurs simultaneously each year in more than 500 locations around the world. In the Madison area, it involves more than 40 churches working together, with 500 plus volunteers contributing 1,920 hours of a constant prayerful presence.
“40 Days for Life has generated proven life-saving results since its beginning,” said Shawn Carney, president of 40 Days for Life. “During 26 previously coordinated campaigns, over 1000 communities have participated in this effort. More than 1,000,000 people — representing some 20,000 churches — have committed to pray and fast. And we know over 17,000 unborn children whose lives were spared from abortion during 40 Days for Life campaigns.”
The vigil, which goes until November 1, takes place in Madison outside of the Planned Parenthood on 3706 Orin Rd., across from MATC. Those who participate in the event are expected to sign a statement of peace.
What to expect this year
First time participants “should expect to be out with one or more individuals alone or in a group in silent prayer or song, peacefully sitting, standing, kneeling, or walking along the public sidewalk outside Planned Parenthood,” said Gwen Finnegan, Madison’s local campaign coordinator. “There would be no shouting or protesting. It would be peaceful.”
Finnegan also said that the only signs permitted are the official 40 Days for Life vigil signs. Participants should not bring their own signs.
Sanitizing wipes will be available to clean off the vigil bag and signs, and those who are sick or quarantined are encouraged to stay home.
“They should not come out to the sidewalk even if it means that they would have to call to cancel their scheduled time,” said Finnegan.
How to sign up
Though drop-ins are allowed, participants are encouraged to sign up online for a shift.
This ensures that all hours during the vigil are filled.
To sign up, visit https://vigilforlife.org/calendar/ and click on the day you would like to volunteer your time.
You can visit vigilforlife.org or 40daysforlife.com/Madison for more information.
Further questions can be addressed to Gwen Finnegan at [email protected] or 608-393-8545.