THE GLOBE
PO BOX 5079 (51102)
1825 JACKSON ST.
SIOUX CITY, IA (51105)
712.255.2550
800.352.9035
WWW.CATHOLICGLOBE.ORG

40 DAYS: Plans closing rally

By KARA KOCZUR, Globe staff reporter
(Email Kara)

A candlelight rally is planned for 11 p.m., April 5, outside Planned Parenthood in Sioux City to close out the 40 Days for Life campaign.

It is the last hour of the campaign, which began on Feb. 25, Ash Wednesday.

There will be prayers for the unborn, songs, testimonies from throughout the 40 days and the 4th degree Knights of Columbus honor guard will be in attendance. Bishop R. Walker Nickless will also be present and will lead the closing prayer.

Those who plan to attend should bring flashlights.

“It will happen rain or shine,” said Mary Stevens, DCCW 40 Days for Life campaign director for Sioux City.

April 5 marks the completion of Sioux City’s second 40 Days vigil. This campaign has gone better than the one held last fall, Stevens said. While the harsh winter conditions forced times when someone wasn’t standing in front of Planned Parenthood, all the hours were filled.

“It was much easier this time around,” she said.

Organizers have found radio advertising to be especially effective this time around. About a dozen people from Reformed Redeemer Church in Orange City signed up to pray at the vigil after hearing about the prolife activity over the airwaves.

“People are feeling called to be a part of it,” Stevens said. “A majority of people committed to one hour every week, with many dedicated people sometimes taking more than just a couple hours.”

One couple was faithfully praying outside the abortion clinic every day from 5 to 6 p.m.

Their commitment, as well as the commitment of hundreds of others who prayed outside Planned Parenthood has reaped fruit. Stories have flowed in of people being inspired to pray for the end to abortion, of passersby speaking words of encouragement and of a young girl choosing not to kill her unborn child.

That young girl was sitting in the waiting room of Planned Parenthood when she heard someone shout, “God loves you!” and decided she couldn’t go through with the abortion, Stevens relayed.

Last fall there was also another baby saved, who Stevens was happy to report was born on March 4. The baby boy, Christopher, was adopted and is doing well, she said.

“The biological mom is happy she made the decision to carry the baby and has terminated all rights,” Stevens said.

Although the campaign is ending, Stevens encourages people to keep praying.

“We know there are some who feel called to do more, and so we want them to know that they can stop and pray at Planned Parenthood at any time,” she said. “It’s a great witness.”

People may be called to Eucharistic adoration, to praying outside Planned Parenthood on abortion Tuesdays or to praying outside the facility on a different day, she said. The important thing is that people keep praying.

“Let the spirit be your guide,” she said. “Pray every day for an end to abortion and listen to what the Lord wants you to do for the unborn. He is definitely calling people into leadership to change this culture of death.”