40 Days for Life kicks off Ash Wednesday

Corpus Christi, TX – On Feb. 22, Corpus Christi area pro-life advocates are once again joining together with people of faith and conscience from many other communities for the area’s 6th year of the “40 Days for Life” campaign.

The campaign is an intensive pro-life initiative that focuses on 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil at abortion facilities and 40 days of grassroots educational outreach. The 40-day time frame is drawn from examples throughout Biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation in 40-day periods.

“Forty Days for Life has generated proven lifesaving results since its beginning in 2004 in Bryan/College Station, Texas,” David Bereit, national director of 40 Days for Life, said. “During eight previous coordinated campaigns, more than 400 communities have participated in this effort. More than 500,000 people – representing some 14,000 churches – have committed to pray and fast. And we know of at least 5,000 unborn children whose lives were spared from abortion during 40 Days for Life campaigns.”

“Come join us in prayer, fasting and witness to make this Lenten Season one of transformation for your group or church,” Patrick Hayes, local coordinator, said.

The campaign’s schedule to witness at the abortion facility, Coastal Birth Control Center located at 1901 Morgan Avenue in Corpus Christi, will start on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22. Vigils will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 1.

The vigil at the abortion facility seeks to find peaceful solutions to the violence of abortion, show compassion and reflect on Christ’s love to all abortion facility employees. Acting in a violent or harmful manner immediately and completely disassociates anyone from the campaign, Hayes said.

Participants are asked not to obstruct driveways or sidewalks while standing in the public right of way; not to litter on the public right of way; not to threaten, physically contact or verbally abuse abortion clinic employees, volunteers or customers; not to vandalize private property; to closely attend to any children they bring to the prayer vigil; and to cooperate with local city authorities.

Everyone is asked to bring a Rosary; appropriate clothing –dress in pants or long skirt and a modest shirt or blouse; water to drink while standing and praying; sunscreen, hat, long-sleeve shirt, sunglasses and an umbrella in case of rain.
For more information call Hayes at (361) 334-8420 or Matt Moore at (361) 289-9095.