A candlelight procession brought to a close the Spring 2017 campaign of 40 Days for Life, the sixteenth campaign held in the Diocese of San Jose. More than fifty people braved the rain for the walk from Saint Leo the Great Church, down Race Street to Planned Parenthood on The Alameda, for a final prayer service.
“It was a peaceful, prayerful walk, as we gave public witness to the sanctity of human life, and the authority of God over all life. As we processed, we stopped at each block and said one of the Stations of the Cross. It was a fitting Lenten exercise,” said Maureen Saulpaugh, a long-time member of the 40 Days planning team.
The walk also included prayers and hymns, and concludes every year with a pro-life rosary.
When asked why he comes to the vigil and procession, Jerry Mack says, “When we think about the life issues, Catholics must come to grips with the issue of abortion. We have many outreach programs to support men and women who choose life for their babies, financial support, food support and medical services. We have a million families waiting to adopt. But before those programs can have an impact, we have to first save the babies. That’s why I come, that’s my priority.”
Commenting on his presence at the event, Dominic Gagnon said, “I have been looking for some way to get more involved in the pro-life movement. I consider abortion the number one social justice issue in this country.”
Mary Ann Smutnak has noticed the increase of the younger generation at pro-life activities. “The tide has definitely turned on the abortion issue, especially for the younger generation. We see an increasing participation at the vigil, the West Coast Walk for Life and other events, by the Millennials. I think that’s because of the freedom of information on the internet. They can actually watch a video of an abortion procedure, and see what really takes place. There’s a growing awareness that the little boy or girl, the fetus, is a human being.”
Full story at The Valley Catholic.
Catholics and the entire planet must come to grips with the number one social issue affecting every single country in the world. Only prayer of the Rosary will end abortion. Brothers and sisters in Christ how we treat the least of our children will determine our eternal destination. End abortion now! Adoption is the loving option. Pray America Pray.
The Watchman is correct, there is a great need for prayer! The article’s title tells us that we must come to grips with abortion. The number of people who think that abortion is bad is decreasing each year. On college campuses and high school yards, anti abortion talk is now considered “hate speech.” The pro-abortion groups were very smart when they changes from pro-abortion to pro-choice. I know too many, especially women, who say they are anti-abortion but pro-choice. The leaders of our church, clerical and lay, and the leaders of other denominations have done and continue to do a poor job education the population. Do you know one Priest that would speak of the issue in a Sunday sermon? When no one goes to church, no one gets…
Abortion is premeditated murder with the full consent of the one God ordained to be the guardian of the child.