WASHINGTON, D.C., SEPT. 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- People of faith and conscience from some 80 cities in 33 states are launching the largest simultaneous pro-life mobilization in American history, said the 40 Days for Life campaign director.
David Bereit said this about 40 Days for Life, a pro-life campaign that starts today, focusing on 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigils at abortion facilities, and grass-roots education.
The 40-day time frame was chosen from examples in biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation.
Bereit said, "40 Days for Life is a campaign about faith, and this faithfulness is truly preparing this country for the beginning of the end of abortion."
Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, North Dakota, is encouraging all in his diocese to participate in the 40 Days of Life.
The bishop asked especially for prayer vigils to be held at the state's only abortion clinic, located in Fargo.
Bishop Aquila said in his letter: "Make a plan for prayer and fasting. Then, if you are not homebound or physically impaired, schedule an hour or more of prayerful vigil.
"I have asked each priest of the diocese to do the same and to challenge you to follow his example."
Recognizing that sparsely populated North Dakota has fewer abortions than other states, the 57-year-old bishop explained that "low numbers are not enough. Not even one abortion per week is acceptable. Not one per month. Not one per year. Not one in our lifetime."
"God has called us to put an end to abortion in the state of North Dakota," Bishop Aquila concluded, "He does not call us to do what is impossible, but to proclaim the gift of life and to build a civilization of truth and love."
The 40 Days for Life concludes on Nov. 4.
ZE07092606 - 2007-09-26