Our Lady of Victory saved a life today!

It was a brilliantly sunny fall morning, and Gabbi my 18 year old asked me over breakfast, "Do you want to fill in for a vacancy at 40 Days for Life at noon today?" I have been ill with pneumonia for two weeks, but little by little, am venturing outdoors again. I answered "yes", and continued praying the rosary with the children at the Worldwide Children's Holy Hour at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on EWTN.

At noon we were at 12 Case Street in Norwich, CT where Planned Parenthood has an abortion mill in the medical building with a rear entrance. We relieved an older woman, who was there since 11AM, but Joe, the tall young man who was with her,  got involved in conversation with us in front of the main entrance to the building. Gabbi was holding a sign which read, "women deserve better than abortion" and I had another sign which read "STOP all abortion". Soon a gentleman came running up and started a pleasant conversation about his involvement with pro-life activities. As we were all talking,  a metallic green SUV stopped abruptly in the road opposite us and the driver, a man in his forties, seemed very angry with us. I was afraid of a confrontation and avoided his eyes, but he seemed engrossed in conversation with the twenty something woman next to him in the front seat.
"Well, make up your f---ing mind," he growled, "are you going in or aren't you?" The woman, looking down, merely shook her head. The driver took off with a start, and turning around in the handicapped parking lot with exaggerated motions and angry glares in our direction, careened into the Obstetrician's office parking lot across the street. The SUV disappeared behind the building for twenty minutes.

We discussed the incident and started to pray the Hail Mary for the young woman who was obviously in conflict over entering the abortion mill.

Soon our doubts were answered as the SUV came driving violently out of the OB's parking lot, turned down the street, and passed the abortion mill's parking lot without going in. We tried not to cheer, as it was obvious that the young woman upon seeing our signs, had a change of heart which her companion was not happy about.
We give all the credit to Our Lady of Victory whose feast day, now called Our Lady of the Rosary is today.
NEVER underestimate the power of prayer!

40 Days for Life Rally at Planned Parenthood in Norwich, CT

WARRIORS:




PLEASE COME HELP SUPPORT WOMEN'S HEALTH !!!



PLEASE COME HELP SUPPORT BABIES HEALTH !!!

This SAT Oct 9th from 10am to 12noon

Planned Parrenthood is planning a demonstration at the corner of Case Street (to support Women's health?)

PLEASE COME and prayerfully, peacefully support LIFE!!!

Come between 9:30 and 10 AM and stay as long as you can.

We'd like to fill the corner and sidewalk with prayer warriors even before they get there!

Forty Days for Life is for youth

A lot of young people are participating in our Forty Days for Life prayer vigil outside of Planned Parenthood at 12 Case Street, Norwich, CT.
Read about the prayer, sacrifice, and fasting they are doing to save lives in my column at the Hartford Catholic Examiner.

40 Days for Life has saved 299 babies so far!

Here's an update from David Bereit. In it he proves that 40 Days for Life is not just about babies, but about the lives of the mothers and the clinic workers who are ruining their lives through participation in the sin of abortion.
The day before this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign
began, the local team in Orange County, California
received some great news.

Nathan had just been born -- at a very healthy nine
pounds!

At once point, however, Nathan's life had definitely
been at risk. Thankfully, he was one of the babies
whose mom chose life during the spring 40 Days for
Life campaign.

"Please tell all those people thank you," said
Nathan's mother. "Thank you for being there praying
for people that you do not know. You made a huge
difference in my life and in my baby's life. I cannot
thank you enough for what you did."

The Orange County team also got to meet a different
baby named Jack. He had been scheduled to be aborted
... TWICE!

But his mother chose life.

Jack's adoptive mom brought him with her when she
went to pray at the 40 Days for Life vigil.

We rejoice for all the lives saved ...

... 299!

Yes, 299 children have been spared from abortion
during the fall 40 Days for Life campaign thus far,
thanks to your prayers, fasting, standing vigil, and
the grace of Almighty God!

That's also 299 mothers who have been spared a life
of regrets following an abortion decision.

Praise God!

The 40 Days for Life team in Manassas, Virginia sees
the value of having a pro-life resource center very
close to the abortion facility. Ken said a 19-year-
old girl arrived at with her mother, fully intent on
making an appointment for an abortion.

"They did an ultrasound and found she was 26 weeks
pregnant," he said. "This abortion facility only does
first-trimester abortions, so they sent her away."

The girl and her mother were directed to the pro-life
pregnancy center, where the counselors told her about
all the resources that were available.

"The wonderful counselors helped her decide to have
her baby," said Ken. "Another life saved! The prayers
of our 40 Days for Life participants were powerful."

In Houston, Texas, people participating in the
40 Days for Life vigil in front of a Planned
Parenthood abortion facility have been able to
redirect many abortion-minded women to the pro-life
pregnancy resource center around the corner -- where
they can find real help and compassion instead of
Planned Parenthood's sales pitch for abortion.

One young woman walked into Planned Parenthood, then
turned around and came out almost immediately. "I had
a bad feeling after walking in the door," she said,
"and wanted to get out of there right away." When she
arrived at the nearby pro-life center, she said,
"This is much better. I feel more comfortable here."

This is most telling. She had a bad feeling about
Planned Parenthood -- and all she did was walk
inside! Doesn't that demonstrate that we're in the
midst of a spiritual battle? And that just shows that
we must pray harder and fast more faithfully.

These bad feelings are also being experienced by
those who work in the clinics. Just the other day, I
shared the story of the clinic receptionist who said,
"I'm going to quit my disgusting job." She's not the
only one who feels that way.

At another 40 Days for Life location, the prayer
vigil participants have had regular discussions with
a clinic employee.

She has now decided to leave her job!

"I want out of that place" is the way she put it. And
one of her co-workers is almost ready to leave her
job as well (that's why I'm not identifying the
location; can you imagine the pressure she would face
if her employers found out?)

Please pray for these women -- and for all people who
seek the courage and strength to leave the deadly
abortion industry.

God's work at 40 Days for Life in Norwich, CT

This just in:
"Today, while I was walking and praying at 12 Case Street, two young women in a car stopped and rolled down their window. They asked, "You are against abortion?." I responded, "Yes." The driver explained she has a little one (who was in the back seat). She said, "I can't take care of him. How can I take care of this baby, as she held her tummy. Her friend with her told me she was pregnant also, and that they had just left Planned Parenthood. I told them, "God Bless you for stopping", and explained that there is help available for you to have your babies, that I would get them in touch with someone that could help them, and that those babies inside them were a precious gift from God. One of them gave me her phone number and first name.

I went to the vigil today not expecting anything to happen. When it did (it happened so fast), I prayed I had said the right thing, and that these girls would give their babies LIFE. I will continue to pray for them and help in any way I can.

God was letting us know today that we are doing His work.
God bless our 40 Days for Life Vigil!

Kathy (a volunteer who prays at 40 Days for Life at 12 Case Street, Norwich)
Thank you Our Lady of Victory, whose feast day we celebrate today as Our Lady of the Rosary. Thank you for two precious lives saved. These women wanted true choice, and Kathy was able to help them find love and support when they needed it most. Well done Kathy!
None of this would be possible without the countless rosaries said outside the clinic this fall.

40 Days for Life is saving lives one at at time

These stories from David Bereit made my day;
While Jackie was praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil in GREENLAND, NEW HAMPSHIRE, a car slowly pulled up in front of the clinic. The driver rolled down the window and said, "I don't know what you're doing here; but whatever it is, it's working!" The driver went on to say the abortion center had let employees go because business was off. All Jackie could say was, "Praise God for victories!"
The staff at yet another abortion center has shrunk by at least one. But this wasn't a layoff. This was a clinic nurse who walked out and quit! Angela of the 40 Days for Life team in GRANITE CITY,ILLINOIS said the abortion facility nurse came outand hugged her. "Thank you for praying for me," shetold Angela. "Your witness has been powerful to me. This is my last day! I'm going off to do what real nurses should be doing." With that, she walked to her car and drove away.This is the SECOND abortion worker to quit duringthis 40 Days for Life campaign!

And yes, there are amazing stories to share about babies saved from abortion as well.
Thus far in this fall 40 Days for Life campaign,we've received reports of 38 mothers who changed their minds and chose life. And of course, those are just the ones we know of!
Here are just a few of those stories:
In HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, Al reported that while people were praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil across from the abortion center, a man came over with a simple message: "Thank you!" His niece had been scheduled for an abortion. But after seeing the group praying, she simply could not go through with it.
In WASHINGTON, DC, Dick tells of a young couple who walked into the Planned Parenthood abortion facility.Volunteers at the 40 Days for Life vigil didn't have much time to talk with them on their way in. But after an hour or so, they came back out. "They said they changed their minds about having an abortion."
In PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, there was another situation in which just the sight of people praying outside made a profound impact. Ernie said an SUV had pulled up tothe clinic entrance, where the 40 Days for Life vigil was in progress. The couple inside just stopped, took another look, and drove away without ever going in.
The 40 Days for Life team in EL PASO, TEXAS receiveda special blessing. Sandra said a woman drove up tothe vigil and wanted to talk about the day she decided not to have an abortion. At the time, she saw her pregnancy as something that would just get in the way of her promising career. But the day of her appointment, people had been praying outside the clinic. When she saw that, she stopped and asked herself, "What am I doing here? This is not right!"As she continued her story, the young woman rolled down her car window, pointed to the child in the car seat and began to cry. "Thanks to you all," she said,"I have this beautiful son!"
"You could imagine the feeling," Sandra said. "I believe at that moment everybody was crying with her." The group prayed for the mother, her child and for all her family. "We ask God to continue blessing them and thank Him for this wonderful gift of life."
Prayer DOES work. And sometimes, you don't have to say a word.
Let's keep it up!
I'll be joining this movement at 12 Case Street, Norwich, CT.

40 Days for Life begins in 1 month

Please join us for 40 Days for LIFE in Norwich, CT

This fall, from September 23rd to November 1st, the Diocese of Norwich will be uniting with over 211 other communities in 45 states and 3 countries for the largest and longest coordinated pro-life mobilization in history—the international 40 Days for Life campaign. People of faith are praying that this effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion. With 40 days of prayer, fasting and 24/7 round-the-clock vigils at abortion clinics across the nation, we are asking God to end abortion in America.

40 Days for Life is a focused life-affirming campaign that has generated measurable lifesaving results. Some cities ha ve reported as much as a 28% drop in local abortion numbers. During the last two years, the local Norwich campaign has resulted in 2 documented saved lives that we know about and countless graces for the participants. Nationally the campaign has resulted in more than 1,500 lives saved!

Important Dates:

Tuesday, September 22nd: Mass and Kick-off at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Norwich, CT starting at 6:00 P.M. All are invited to attend. Refreshments to follow 7-9 PM. Please join us and bring a friend.

The 40 days will run from September 23rd to November 1st, 2009.

Getting Involved:
The 40 Days for Life campaign is made up of three key components:

Prayer and Fasting: inviting people to join together for 40 days of fervent prayer coupled with fasting for an end to abortion

Peaceful Vigil: standing for life through a 24/7, 40 day peaceful, public witness outside Planned Parenthood, 12 Case Street, Norwich, CT

Community Outreach: taking a positive, upbeat pro-life message to every corner of our city through media, petition drives, l awn signs, and public visibility.

We need parishes to "Adopt-a-Day"

Please prayerfully consider ways two possible ways to get involved-- as an individual and as a Parish community. One of the best ways for parishes to get involved is to “Adopt- a- Day”. A church would decide to “Adopt-a-Day” and then encourage their parishioners to pledge to pray for an hour at a time, on the sidewalk, in front of Planned Parenthood at 12 Case St. in Norwich on the specified “adopted day”. The parish would have one or two people organizing this effort with sign ups at the parish level.

You can also get involved individually by pledging to pray for an hour. To do so you must log onto: www.vigilcalendar.com/norwich To “A dopt-a-Day” or for more information please contact Brian J. Daly.

*Whether you’ve done this before or not, it is imperative that you register at www.vigilcalendar.com/norwich to participate at the vigil site each time you pray in front of Planned Parenthood at 12 Case St. in Norwich.

If you have any questions or need more information, or are unable to register please contact Brian J. Daly at 860-822-1788 or BJDALY@aol.com or visit www.40daysforlife.com/norwich

We already have the following days adopted for Fall 2009!
If your church/organization is not on this list, please consider getting together with other members to Adopt-A-Day.
For information on Adopting a Day, please contact Brian Daly at
BJDALY@aol.com or 860-822-1788

Pro-lifers becoming Obama's worst nightmare

from David Bereit at 40 Days for Life

Last week, you and more than 36,000 other people
participated in what the Washington Post described as
a "massive webcast" -- the historic Stop the Abortion
Mandate web event.

The replay of that inspiring webcast is online at:

http://www.StopTheAbortionMandate.com

More than 100,000 letters and e-mails have already
been sent to Congress because of your actions in
response to the webcast and the actions of others
associated with organizations making up the Stop the
Abortion Mandate coalition.

Reporting on the webcast, U.S. News & World Report
documented: "In the last few days, Christian
conservatives have quickly organized themselves into a
coalition opposing the inclusion of abortion coverage
in President Obama's proposed public healthcare plan."

The Washington Post reported: "If the organization and
strident words during the webcast are any indication,
the anti-abortion tide that is rising against
President Obama's health care plan may shape up to be
a sizable force in coming weeks."

Bottom-line: YOU ARE MAKING AN IMPACT, and we have a
real shot at stopping this abortion mandate!

But the battle is far from over.

**BREAKING NEWS**

Last night, the House Energy and Commerce Committee
passed a pro-abortion amendment which would force
abortion into the public plan and force YOU to fund
abortion through your tax dollars.

After passage of the pro-abortion amendment, the
Committee then went on to defeat a bi-partisan
pro-life amendment.

Today, there will be another vote when an amendment
will be offered in committee to prevent taxpayer
funding of abortion.

This amendment could be the last chance to prevent the
abortion mandate before the vote goes to floor of the
House of Representatives.

And, if you've been following the news, you know that
things are changing almost hourly here in Washington.

Health care "compromises" are being proposed that
would do nothing to stop the abortion mandate and
there is a slim possibility that a full vote in the
Senate could happen prior to their recess next week.

With all the confusion and rapid changes, one thing is
clear -- this abortion mandate must be stopped. Your
action is needed TODAY to stop the largest abortion
expansion since Roe v. Wade!

**ACTION ITEM**

Even if you have already sent letters and e-mails and
made calls, it is URGENT that you call the Washington
office and district office of your Representative and
two Senators TODAY with one clear message:

"KEEP ABORTION OUT OF HEALTH CARE! Any health care
proposal or bill MUST explicitly and permanently
prohibit any use of taxpayer funds for abortion or
health plans that pay for abortion, and MUST
explicitly and permanently prohibit abortion from
being a mandated service."

Look up the phone numbers for your Senators:

http://www.StopTheAbortionMandate.com/senators

Look up the phone numbers for your Representative:

http://www.StopTheAbortionMandate.com/representatives

The phone number for the switchboard of Congress is:
202-224-3121

Please make these calls today if at all possible --
countless lives are at stake!

Stop The Abortion Mandate coalition
http://www.StopTheAbortionMandate.com

Good news from David Bereit

The reports keep flooding in from the 135 cities that
have just concluded the spring 40 Days for Life -- and
there are still more we'll be getting over the next
few days -- but I just had to let you know that the
confirmed number of lives saved from abortion during
this campaign has now reached...

421!!

There are many other things to report to you as well,
just as soon as we finish compiling these reports. But
here are just a few of the comments from some of the
participating cities (along with some amazing photos):

GREENVILLE, SC: "We are truly humbled at the response
and dedication. What we saw during the 40 Days for
Life was God's hand at work."

See photo at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=232

AUGUSTA, ME: "People have come from all over Maine.
Prayer volunteers have come from a distance of 180
miles."

See photo at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=232

OCALA, FL: "More than 350 individuals prayed at the
vigil. One couple, between them, totaled 70 hours."

See photo at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=232

RIVERSIDE, CA: "Clinic security guards said we have
opened their eyes about some things and one is
quitting. She doesn't want to work there any longer."

See photo at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=232

CHARLOTTE, NC: "During this 40 Days for Life campaign,
there were 41 babies saved from abortion."

See photo at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=232

LITTLE ROCK, AR: "We plan to offer training and build
a sidewalk counseling team. We also plan to maintain
our public presence at Planned Parenthood."

See photo at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=232

TOCCOA, GA: "People learned the truth by reading
information, by listening to post-abortive women and
by standing in the gap in silent prayer for the
unborn."

See photo at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=232

EVERETT, WA: "There is no question of continuing our
involvement in fall 2009 40 Days for Life campaign. We
are motivated!"

See photo at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=232

ALBUQUERQUE, NM: "We are encouraging our supporters to
continue to work in pro-life ministry throughout the
year. There's plenty of work for everyone."

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI: "This is our second campaign and
we have doubled in size. We have determined,
faith-filled men, women, teens and children who will
not give up."

See photo at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=232

PROVIDENCE, RI: "One mother stopped, on her way out of
the abortion clinic, to tell us that she had decided
against her scheduled abortion."

ABILENE, TX: "Since the 40 Days of Life campaign
started we have had many more abortion-minded girls
coming to our pregnancy center."

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: "We had a woman and what appeared
to be her boyfriend walk up to the Planned Parenthood,
look at us, and then walk away."

See photo at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=232

SAN MATEO, CA: "One clinic worker said to a vigil
volunteer: 'Why don't you pray at your homes? You're
making our work here difficult!'"

And that's a perfect note to end on.

It's clear that being present in prayer at abortion
facilities makes a world of difference -- for the
mothers, for the babies, for the abortion workers.

Please look within your heart and pray about this as
we approach Easter Sunday -- how will you continue to
answer Christ's call to stand up for the least of His
brothers and sisters?

Thanks again for all you do to be their voices!

In Christ Who Is Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

Forty Days for Life Concludes with 368 babies saved!

It's finally here: day 40!

To mark the conclusion of this amazing 40 Days forLife campaign, David Bereit and I just recorded aspecial 9-minute audio for you.
Listen online now at:http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=230

Everyone who has prayed, fasted, stood vigil, or engaged in community outreach is a hero -- for responding to God's call to speak up for the mosthelpless who we will most likely never see or meet. Standing witness outside abortion facilities -- evenwhen it is tough and unpopular -- is always worth it.Just ask the 368 children whose lives have been savedfrom abortion during this spring 40 Days for Life.
Yes, reports keep pouring in and the number is now upto 368 lives saved. Praise God!There is much to celebrate on Day 40 of this 40 Days for Life. Here are just three examples among many...To say that it snowed a lot during this "spring"campaign in Kalispell, Montana is an understatement. But Kalispell, which is in a county of about 85,000 people, has maintained a 24-hour vigil since February 25 despite the waves of wintry weather.Their sacrificial efforts just gained front page newscoverage in their local paper...

See: http://tinyurl.com/cdn4uv

And the dedicated people don't want to stop! And why not? They're making an impact.When the vigil at Planned Parenthood began, the Kalispell clinic was open five days a week. The facility has now cut back to three days a week.
In addition, the area's other abortion center has cutback from six days a week to five. "So they have begun to downsize," said Sandra Bois, a local coordinator."A beginning!"Other true heroes are the men and women who've shared the message that Christ's healing is available in the wake of abortion. They've stepped forward during 40Days for Life to tell the world, "I regret my abortion" or "I regret lost fatherhood."Frances Wilkinson spoke up after an angry abortion supporter's letter to the editor appeared in theOttawa Citizen. The writer said she was "increasingly outraged" at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Canada's capital city and encouraged others to follow herexample of donating to a pro-abortion fund. Frances answered -- and the paper printed her response and a photo of her holding her "I regret my abortion"sign at the 40 Days for Life vigil. See: http://tinyurl.com/d7ky26 Frances said she wants to help other women "so they will not make the worst mistake they will ever make, for themselves and their child, and anyone else affected by the abortion." She added, "No one has the right to kill another human being.

"There are true heroes in Toccoa, Georgia as well.Toccoa is in a county with a population of around 25,000. But this town has served as an amazing exampleof a community coming together to take a stand. A Christian businessman offered his parking lot on a busy highway as the vigil site. The coordinators set up a tent and invited people to pray."The response from the road traffic was fantastic!"said Andrea Sosebee, one of the coordinators. "People honking horns, thumbs up, hollering positive words of encouragement to all -- it was awesome!"She added, "We may not have had an abortion clinic to stand in front of, but our community has truly been awakened to the issue of abortion and the need forchange and healing. This has been such an exciting campaign!"

An awakening. Just what this culture needs, don't youthink? And it's all thanks to the grace of God -- and the faithful response to His call by people just like you in 135 cities across 43 states, Canada, Northern Ireland, and Australia.

Once again, THANK YOU! A remarkable effort is ending-- but it's really only just beginning.Today's devotional is from Fr. Frank Pavone, nationaldirector of Priests for Life

DAY 40 INTENTION

Let us keep our eyes fixed on the New Jerusalem, wheredeath will be no more.

SCRIPTURE

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, forthe old order of things has passed away." He who wasseated on the throne said, "I am making everythingnew!"-- Revelation 21:4-5

REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life

Every activity we undertake in defense of the sanctityof life is prophetic, inasmuch as it points to the daywhen "death will be no more."Every victory we have when an act of abortion isprevented is prophetic of that day when death itselfwill be definitively conquered.Every triumph of grace in this world, whereby someoneis brought to see the value of life and given thestrength to welcome it, is a breaking into our historyof that definitive future in which the old order ofthings will have passed, and all things will be madenew.

As pro-life warriors, we must keep our eyes fixed on heaven, and our hearts secure in the hope that the dayis coming when all evil will be conquered.It is the future that shapes the present; it is victory that informs the battle; it is the destination that determines the journey. Daily, we are called to reflect on heaven.

When we weep, we are to think of the day when every tear will be wiped away.When we face the destructive power of death, we are to think of the day when death is swallowed up invictory.When we labor against abortion, we are to think of the day when we will have the rest and peace of the final triumph of life.

Heaven is as real as earth, and its joys will be asreal as our present sorrow.
PRAYER------------------------------------------------------
Father, you are the God of hope. Your word fills us with the vision of the world to come, when every tear will be wiped away, and death will be no more. Father, how we need that hope, how we are strengthened by that vision! Keep our hearts focused on heaven, and diligent in the labors of earth. As we struggle against the culture of death, root oursouls in the assurance of victory.
We pray through Christ our Lord,
Amen.

Franciscan Friars provide comfort to 40 Days for Life

"40 Days for Life is a long road. Here on Day 16, itmay seem that an end is not in sight. There are manymiles (literally, for those of us on the road visitingdozens of 40 Days for Life locations :-) to go beforewe rest.But as more people like you are discovering, this isnot a road that we walk alone. God is always with us!
"There are times when we doubt our effectiveness,"said John in Methuen, Massachusetts. But one cold,windy day recently brought encouragement just when itwas needed the most."

As we started to gather, a single file procession of Franciscans came walking towards us. I was truly inspired when I spotted them coming."The Franciscans' grey robes told John that this was aspecial moment. "God seemed to be whispering to us,'I'll take care of things. All I ask of you is toremain faithful.'
And He did."A group of 23 faithful pro-lifers celebrated the daywith the prayer. "Methuen was alive," John said."Hundreds of cars going by witnessed this prayerful gathering, some tooting their horns showing solidarity. Needless to say, there were many grateful hearts there that day. It is a joy to participate in 40 Days for Life."

A message from a civil rights leader for today; David Bereit

What a week......

Sunday was named "National Sanctity of Human LifeDay" by official proclamation of outgoing PresidentGeorge W. Bush. Churches across the nation marked the event during worship services......

Yesterday we remembered the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who changed a nation by encouraging people to go to the streets and create peaceful constructive tension that would necessitate change and ensure equal rights for all......

Mere minutes ago, the administration of the most radically pro-abortion president in history began......

And Thursday marks the 36th anniversary of thebrutal and unjust Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decisionthat imposed abortion on all 50 American states.This is a time to pray for America and -- like manycourageous reformers of the past -- there must be aresolve that "we shall overcome" the many challengesthat lie ahead in our work to end abortion.Here are a few ways you can help get 2009 off to agreat start -- for LIFE

1.) Worldwide airing of 40 Days for Life documentary

2.) Washington DC 40 Days for Life activities

3.) 40 Days for Life at West Coast Walk for Life

4.) Show your 40 Days for Life support

5.) Other memorial events across the nation

1.) WORLDWIDE AIRING OF 40 DAYS FOR LIFE DOCUMENTARY

This Wednesday night, a 30-minute documentary about40 Days for Life -- filmed by an Emmy-award-winningdirector -- will be airing in millions of homesaround the world.It's the latest installment of "beingHUMAN," and it'sairing Wednesday on the EWTN television networkimmediately before the broadcast of the NationalPrayer Vigil for Life in Washington, DC.This episode, "being HUMAN: 40 Days for Life II,"interviews volunteers, national leaders, and formerabortionists on how 40 Days for Life is renewing hopein communities across the nation.It focuses on the stories and successes that prayer,fasting, and peaceful vigil have accomplished through40 Days for Life campaigns that have now spreadacross the country and around the globe.This show is a great opportunity to get people inyour community involved in this initiative.Please spread the word to friends and family viaemail, and encourage everyone you know to watch onWednesday, January 21, at 6:30 PM (Eastern).Watch previews, see guests appearing on the show, andlearn more at:http://www.beinghumanshow.com WHAT: "being HUMAN: 40 Days for Life II" DATE: Wednesday, January 21 TIME: 6:30 PM Eastern (3:30 PM Pacific) WHERE: Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) -- available in most markets

2.) WASHINGTON DC 40 DAYS FOR LIFE ACTIVITIES

If there's any chance you can come to Washington, DC,for the huge March for Life this week, we'd love toconnect with you!I will be there along with my whole family (Margaret,Claire, and Patrick,) Shawn Carney -- spring campaigndirector -- and his wife Marilisa and son Seamus, andDavid Brandao, our communications director.In addition to the March for Life itself, we will beinvolved in numerous other activities going on in DC.We just posted our schedule online of all the variousactivities we'll be involved with, including a veryspecial "40 Days for Life Gathering" which we areholding just for you. Check it out at:http://www.40daysforlife.com/events That page also has a PDF one-sheet handout withdetails about the various activities so you can printit out and keep it in your pocket while in DC.Also, to get the latest updates on the 40 Days forLife schedule while in DC, you have two options:>> To get live text message updates, text "40DAYS" to 25827>> To follow us via live updates on Twitter, visit: http://twitter.com/40daysforlife We'll keep you posted about where we'll be when so wecan meet up in person.

Hope to see you there, Leticia!

We will see each other at Rock for Life Activism Training, David!

3.) 40 DAYS FOR LIFE AT WEST COAST WALK FOR LIFE

Tens of thousands of pro-lifers from across the WestCoast will gather in San Francisco at Justin HermanPlaza on Market Street for the Walk for Life thiscoming Saturday, January 24, beginning at 11 AM(Pacific time).The event will start with a rally featuring speakersand music, followed by the walk. At the conclusion ofthe walk, West Coast 40 Days for Life leaders andparticipants are invited to a special 40 Days forLife reunion and meet and greet at the 40 Days forLife information table that will be on the MarinaGreens, near the end of the walk.Even though our national team members will still bein Washington, DC, Fr. Frank Pavone has agreed tojoin the 40 Days for Life gathering to meet andencourage everyone. T-shirts, fliers, and other 40Days for Life material will be available.For more information, please contact Wynette Sills bye-mail: wsills@succeed.net or phone: 916-955-1577.

4.) SHOW YOUR 40 DAYS FOR LIFE SUPPORT

If you're attending any events to memorialize the Roev. Wade decision -- or just want to show your supportof 40 Days for Life -- one of our vendors that makespremium 40 Days for Life merchandise including hats,shirts, fleeces, signs, banners and bumper stickers,has just slashed prices for a big "Pre 40 Days forLife SALE."Learn more and get your 40 Days for Life gear at significantly reduced prices at:http://www.40daysmerchandise.net *****************************************************

5.) OTHER MEMORIAL EVENTS ACROSS THE NATION

Other events memorializing the 50 million lives thathave been lost to abortion since Roe v. Wade will beheld all across the nation. If you can't make it toWashington DC or San Francisco, check with your local or state pro-life group to find the nearest event.Let's turn out at these memorials in record numbersthis year to show the entire world that

WE

SHALL

OVERCOME

the crisis of abortion.

Pressing Forward,

David Bereit

National Director

40 Days for Life

Planned Parenthood is terrified of 40 Days for Life

from David Bereit
The bold headline running across the envelope of the latest fundraising letter from Planned Parenthood Federation of America screams:"Relentless Anti-Choice Extremists: They're coming after our organization with everything they've got! Help us fight their post-election challenges!"

Despite Planned Parenthood having just succeeded in getting many of their close friends elected tothe highest offices in our land, the letter inside contains an urgent appeal for money, begging abortion advocates to "rush an immediate donation"to the abortion business to help fight "the latest showdown in a battle raging all across America."

What does the abortion giant find so "critical"? Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, clearly spells it out:
"Now, here's what worriesus the most..."Then she specifically identifies 40 Days for Lifeas one of the greatest threats to the abortion chain's business.
Richards writes, "Planned Parenthood is under attack," explaining the setbacks their staff andcustomers experienced when, "from September 24 toNovember 2, 2008 a coalition of anti-choice groups promoted a '40 Days' campaign all across America, including 24/7 prayer vigils outside Planned Parenthood offices and health centers."
She concludes the letter by saying, "thehard-edged, well-funded groups coming afterPlanned Parenthood are playing for keeps," while telling abortion supporters, "I only hope you realize how urgently we need you."

Wow. While I certainly wouldn't describe 40 Days forLife as "well-funded," we ARE playing for keeps.This is a matter of life and death, and the stakes are too high to treat this any other way.

And it's an amazing testimony to the power of prayer -- and YOUR dedication and faithfulness-- when the nation's largest abortion chain is running scared.

Trouble in the Abortion Capitol of the World

from David Bereit
This fall's 40 Days for Life campaign in New YorkCity has already documented 7 children saved fromabortion due to the peaceful vigils......
And the abortion industry is furious.
On the first day of 40 Days for Life, the pro-abortion Speaker of the New York City Council held anews conference outside city hall with executivesfrom Planned Parenthood, NARAL, the New York CivilLiberties Union, and one of the city's largestabortion chains (which is currently the focus of a 40 Days for Life vigil.)The purpose of the press event -- to attempt to silence pro-life prayer and free speech outside abortion facilities by proposing a restrictive15-foot "buffer zone" around all abortion centers inNew York City.
The proposed bill would also allow abortion workersto file harassment charges against pro-lifers as well as "ease the burden of proof" currently necessary to prosecute on harassment charges, according to the press release issued by the New York City Council.
This measure flies in the face of both freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.The proposal also appears to target Chris Slattery,who directs 40 Days for Life campaigns in the Bronx and Queens and has a history of effective pro-life activism as president of Expectant Mother Care-EMC FrontLine Pregnancy Centers.
Slattery said, "Volunteer street counselors oftenhurt abortion businesses by successfully and peacefully dissuading abortion patients from enteringtheir sites when offered free help, education, medical care and housing."
Chris Slattery has fought similar battles before and is well known for refusing to back down from abortion industry attacks, and he certainly isn't backing down in this case, either. Slattery told the media he will vigorously oppose the legislation. "Within minutes of learning of this new proposed bill on Wednesday, I contacted David Bereit, and we have begun assembling a crack legal team and activist support network for a full scale counter-attack against this unfair, biased and blatantly unconstitutional bill," he said.
********************ACTION NEEDED********************
Please contact the New York City Council immediately at (212) 788-7116 or use the online form posted at:http://snipurl.com/3vsoy
Ask them to stop the proposed "clinic access" billthat attempts to silence 40 Days for Life and otherpro-life efforts.
*****************************************************LEARN MORE... *
40 Days for Life press release: http://snipurl.com/3vtgw *
NYC council press release: http://snipurl.com/3vthi
We're honored to stand with Chris and his NYC 40 Daysfor Life team, and hope you will also stand with themby making the call or sending the e-mail today