Pro-lifers everywhere are seriously concerned about the threats to life growing throughout the world, especially in the United States.
Bishop Robert Morlino is particularly requesting prayers for President Barack Obama in the area of abortion activity. Pro-lifers in Wisconsin are greatly concerned about the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison restarting abortion practices which it had abandoned over 20 years ago.
Steps to take
- People of prayer are encouraged to increase their prayers against abortion during this Lenten season.
- A 40-hour Prayer Vigil for Life will be prayed during Holy Week from 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, through 12 noon, Good Friday, April 10. A special effort will be made to have two or more people praying around the University of Wisconsin Hospital at 600 Highland Ave. in Madison.
- People are encouraged to send an empty, sealed, red envelope to pro-abortion officials with a message hand-written on the back of the envelope ( http://www.redenvelopeproject.org ). Messages could be sent to President Obama at the White House. Messages could be sent to Governor Jim Doyle, 115 East State Capitol, Madison, WI 53702; University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin, 500 Lincoln Dr., Madison, WI 53706; and Dr. Caryn Dutton, abortionist, UW Hospital, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705.
- A novena to St. Jude Thaddeus, patron saint of causes almost despaired of, could be prayed any nine days but with particular relevance April 2 to 10.
- Families, pro-lifers, and parish or pro-life groups might join together to pray one hour each day from April 2 to 10.
- School groups are also encouraged to schedule specific pro-life activities during this time.
- Prayers for local abortion supporters, doctors, and facilities and visits to the state Capitol or UW Hospital and/or the Madison Surgery Center, S. Park St., Madison, are also encouraged.
- Additional fasting could be undertaken to join Our Lord in his suffering for the babies to be aborted, “the least of our brothers and sisters” (Mt 25:31-46).
- Almsgiving could be provided to pro-life and pregnancy support groups.
Continue working
The abortion specter has never been darker in the United States, and the public policy of Wisconsin’s formerly leading hospital has become a death center for some babies. Much prayer, fasting, and almsgiving is called for in this time of critical abortion practices and developments.
Deacon Jack Fernan is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Madison.