Day 7
“The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
We are in a spiritual battle for the lives of little ones and hearts of men. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. God continues in this passage to tell us to put on the weapons of our warfare, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:18
“We simply must create in ourselves and in our people a wartime mentality. Otherwise the Biblical teaching about the urgency of prayer and the vigilance of prayer, the watching in prayer, and the perseverance in prayer, and the danger of abandoning prayer will make no sense and find no resonance in our hearts.” John Piper; Prayer, the Work of Missions
God is at work in Indianapolis in response to his people’s prayers. As I prayed for the conviction of sin for those who were working at the Planned Parenthood’s abortion mill yesterday, God reminded me of the woman who had come up to look at the Teens for Life display at the Back to School Fun Fair. As I began to explain the development of the child represented by the fetal models and she stopped me and said “Oh, I know it is a child at this stage (12 weeks). At 9 weeks I saw their little fingers and little legs and toes, because I worked at an abortion clinic and was in charge of checking to see if we got the entire baby out of the mother. I went home each night and could not sleep. You see I had had an abortion and I did not know. I had to quit I could not live with myself. “
We do not always get to see the answers to our prayers, but God allowed me to see an answer to mine. I have been praying for years for those who are doing these killings to be convicted of sin and to repent and find healing. God was gracious to show me His work and to encourage my prayers.
God also encouraged me yesterday with 10 people to pray with me at the 3:00 p.m. hour. It was a miracle because I was the only person signed up at that hour and none of my friends or church members had responded to my mass emails to join me. Monday evening I asked God to bring his faithful prayer warriors and by 3:15 p.m. God had brought 10 people to pray. A friend who had her work cancelled, a dear woman from Franklin who did not know where PP was located and asked the Lord to direct her, a young woman with baby and several others who just showed up and prayed. Almost all had never participated in the prayer vigil before. Praise God for rising up his faithful.
Cathy Price
Teens for Life of Indianapolis
Right to Life of Indianapolis
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
My first time at planned parenthood
Day 6
Even though I have prayed in front of an abortion clinic, I found my first time in front of Planned Parenthood a bit daunting. I arrived a bit late due to traffic, but there was a lovely few people already there praying. As I said my rosary, I couldn’t help but just stare at the building. I couldn’t fathom that such horrific events as abortion could occur within those walls of the purple decorated building. I looked up into they sky, hoping for something from God to remind me that He was truly present, despite the place that stood before me. I saw rays of sunshine beaming through the clouds onto the center and recalled that wherever there is darkness, there shall be light. I can imagine the guardian angels of all the mothers and little lives inside dancing around nearby, ready and willing to hold their hands to heaven. I thank God for the chance to be a witness of His love for life and pray that the mothers see how much He loves them and their unborn child.
Melanie Rosswurm
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Even though I have prayed in front of an abortion clinic, I found my first time in front of Planned Parenthood a bit daunting. I arrived a bit late due to traffic, but there was a lovely few people already there praying. As I said my rosary, I couldn’t help but just stare at the building. I couldn’t fathom that such horrific events as abortion could occur within those walls of the purple decorated building. I looked up into they sky, hoping for something from God to remind me that He was truly present, despite the place that stood before me. I saw rays of sunshine beaming through the clouds onto the center and recalled that wherever there is darkness, there shall be light. I can imagine the guardian angels of all the mothers and little lives inside dancing around nearby, ready and willing to hold their hands to heaven. I thank God for the chance to be a witness of His love for life and pray that the mothers see how much He loves them and their unborn child.
Melanie Rosswurm
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Regret of Lost Fatherhood
This morning as I read the "DAY 7: Not just moms & babies; TV special" email from David Bereit I was struck. David shared the story of a young man in Houston, Texas during the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil at the Planned Parenthood abortion facility. The young man's girl friend, the mother of their pre-born baby and the baby's grandmother had determined that the baby was to be killed through abortion.
While his story is different from my own one thing remains the same. Neither he or I had any say in the ultimate outcome of the situation. Neither he or I could do anything to save the life of our child. But it was the last part of the story that struck me most painfully.
"All I could tell him was what I truly believed -- that today, his child knows that his/her father fought for it. That to his child, he is a hero and that someday he would know that also."
I did not try to save my baby. I did not speak up for her. I actually paid someone to end her life. Not until recently have I come to understand that my baby has forgiven me. That she knows her mother and I did not understand who she was. That she was a child of God. That she IS alive and loves us.
If those 27 years ago someone had been praying outside would we have changed our minds? Would we have choosen life for our baby? Would I have had the courage to speak? The courage to shed tears.
On the day of the opening rally for this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign, as we processed along 86th Street I saw for the first time a billboard which read, "I regret lost fatherhood." I couldn't believe it. A billboard as big as a cloud in the sky saying what I feel. Saying something that nobody wants to hear about, nobody wants to talk about. Even with the healing I have come through to this point another layer was released, because the truth was right there for everyone to see. I thank God for the people who paid for that billboard to be there, to witness to the truth of abortion.
After all these many years, I have accepted the forgiveness and mercy of our Lord, and now I have the couarge to shed those tears in thanksgiving for the assurance and the hope that my little girl is with Jesus waiting for me to hold her in my arms for all eternity.
While his story is different from my own one thing remains the same. Neither he or I had any say in the ultimate outcome of the situation. Neither he or I could do anything to save the life of our child. But it was the last part of the story that struck me most painfully.
"All I could tell him was what I truly believed -- that today, his child knows that his/her father fought for it. That to his child, he is a hero and that someday he would know that also."
I did not try to save my baby. I did not speak up for her. I actually paid someone to end her life. Not until recently have I come to understand that my baby has forgiven me. That she knows her mother and I did not understand who she was. That she was a child of God. That she IS alive and loves us.
If those 27 years ago someone had been praying outside would we have changed our minds? Would we have choosen life for our baby? Would I have had the courage to speak? The courage to shed tears.
On the day of the opening rally for this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign, as we processed along 86th Street I saw for the first time a billboard which read, "I regret lost fatherhood." I couldn't believe it. A billboard as big as a cloud in the sky saying what I feel. Saying something that nobody wants to hear about, nobody wants to talk about. Even with the healing I have come through to this point another layer was released, because the truth was right there for everyone to see. I thank God for the people who paid for that billboard to be there, to witness to the truth of abortion.
After all these many years, I have accepted the forgiveness and mercy of our Lord, and now I have the couarge to shed those tears in thanksgiving for the assurance and the hope that my little girl is with Jesus waiting for me to hold her in my arms for all eternity.
Eric Slaughter
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
The Archangels
Although originally only dedicated to St. Michael, today is the feast day of the named Archangels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. All three Archangels are especially appropriate to 40 Days for Life and it is a blessing that this feast falls when it does!
St. Michael lead the heavenly host against Lucifer (and the angels rebelling with him), banishing them from Paradise. The cry of Lucifer was: “I will be like the Most High!” This sentiment seems to lurk behind many modern activities such as embryonic stem cell research, cloning, abortion, and euthanasia. All of these actions assume powers rightly held by the creator. “I will be like the Most High!”
St Michael's name in Hebrew comes from his cry: “Who is like unto God?” And because of his victory over Lucifer, he was given the highest place among the angels.
St. Gabriel brought the message to the Virgin about God becoming a man (recall this was why Lucifer rebelled- he said “I will not serve” once God revealed He had taken on humanity). Gabriel, along with all creation, held his breath awaiting Our Lady's answer.
St. Raphael helped Tobiah marry Rachel, and brought sight to Tobit. His name means “God Heals” and we pray that St. Raphael can intercede to help everyone see the truth of a tiny humans, and heal everyone who has been hurt by abortion.
Pope Leo XIII had a vision in 1886 and immediately wrote a long prayer in response. He stipulated that a portion of the prayer be said after every Low Mass from then on. Although this practice was stopped in 1965, the prayer has remained in use:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
St. Michael lead the heavenly host against Lucifer (and the angels rebelling with him), banishing them from Paradise. The cry of Lucifer was: “I will be like the Most High!” This sentiment seems to lurk behind many modern activities such as embryonic stem cell research, cloning, abortion, and euthanasia. All of these actions assume powers rightly held by the creator. “I will be like the Most High!”
St Michael's name in Hebrew comes from his cry: “Who is like unto God?” And because of his victory over Lucifer, he was given the highest place among the angels.
St. Gabriel brought the message to the Virgin about God becoming a man (recall this was why Lucifer rebelled- he said “I will not serve” once God revealed He had taken on humanity). Gabriel, along with all creation, held his breath awaiting Our Lady's answer.
St. Raphael helped Tobiah marry Rachel, and brought sight to Tobit. His name means “God Heals” and we pray that St. Raphael can intercede to help everyone see the truth of a tiny humans, and heal everyone who has been hurt by abortion.
Pope Leo XIII had a vision in 1886 and immediately wrote a long prayer in response. He stipulated that a portion of the prayer be said after every Low Mass from then on. Although this practice was stopped in 1965, the prayer has remained in use:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Hispanic Catholic Movement
Day 5
On Sundays, Luis Agayo and his wife spend from 1pm to 7pm in front of planned parenthood praying for the end to abortion. During this time, friends of Luis come and go and sometimes as many as 30 people will be there praying! Most of them belong to a movement called the Hispanic Catholic Movement. They pray the rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and sing pro life songs.
The vigil takes place only from 1pm to 7pm on Sundays because of church schedules. There are not enough people to cover the morning hours.
Join Luis and his wife on Sundays by bringing your whole family to pray to end abortion.
On Sundays, Luis Agayo and his wife spend from 1pm to 7pm in front of planned parenthood praying for the end to abortion. During this time, friends of Luis come and go and sometimes as many as 30 people will be there praying! Most of them belong to a movement called the Hispanic Catholic Movement. They pray the rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and sing pro life songs.
The vigil takes place only from 1pm to 7pm on Sundays because of church schedules. There are not enough people to cover the morning hours.
Join Luis and his wife on Sundays by bringing your whole family to pray to end abortion.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Waiting for the Rain
Day 4
It was 3:12 and I was late getting to Planned Parenthood. Donna had called to say she had just left the prayer vigil site and there were other people there. Thank you, Lord! It doesn't look good for the coordinator to be late, but that is what happened Saturday. As I drove up there were seven people praying. I honked my horn in response to the sign held by a child saying, "Honk if You're Pro-life." During the next three hours there would be many honks and a few blaring horns from those who disagree with our understanding of life, and that's okay because I prayed for them too.
I arrived to see our new welcome box, nicely made by Joseph. Funny, I seem to remember a story about a carpenter named Joseph. The box has some drawers containing prayers that can be read and a bible. There is also information about abortion and resources where mothers considering life for their baby can get help. This was useful when a woman came with her daughter to pray. She wanted some information about what abortion is, and how it affects the mother. I gave her a brochure and directed her to the "Helpful Links" on our website: http://40daysforlife.com/indianapolis/index.cfm?load=page&page=7
In addition to abortion there is information about Project Gabriel and Life Centers where a mother can find help and love from people who care about her and her baby.
Then something special happened when Amanda came. Amanda was celebrating her fifteenth birthday and what she wanted to do on her birthday was to come keep the prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood. It was truly inspiring to see this family, Amanda, her brother Adam and their mom and dad on Amanda's birthday spending an hour praying for an end to abortion.
At around 5:00 a few dark clouds started to appear. The temperature cooled and my prayer partner, Jerry, commented that rain was coming. Rain had been in the forecast, but so far things had been dry. We decided to pray a rosary for the change of the hearts and minds of abortion minded men and women. We also asked for the rain to hold off until 8:00.
At around 6:00 with my shift ended I headed home leaving Jerry and two others to finish up the vigil for the day, not a drop of rain to be seen. I do believe in miracles and I do believe that our prayers are answered every day. It may be a coincidence, but at about 8:05 it began to rain.
God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.
Eric Slaughter
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
It was 3:12 and I was late getting to Planned Parenthood. Donna had called to say she had just left the prayer vigil site and there were other people there. Thank you, Lord! It doesn't look good for the coordinator to be late, but that is what happened Saturday. As I drove up there were seven people praying. I honked my horn in response to the sign held by a child saying, "Honk if You're Pro-life." During the next three hours there would be many honks and a few blaring horns from those who disagree with our understanding of life, and that's okay because I prayed for them too.
I arrived to see our new welcome box, nicely made by Joseph. Funny, I seem to remember a story about a carpenter named Joseph. The box has some drawers containing prayers that can be read and a bible. There is also information about abortion and resources where mothers considering life for their baby can get help. This was useful when a woman came with her daughter to pray. She wanted some information about what abortion is, and how it affects the mother. I gave her a brochure and directed her to the "Helpful Links" on our website: http://40daysforlife.com/indianapolis/index.cfm?load=page&page=7
In addition to abortion there is information about Project Gabriel and Life Centers where a mother can find help and love from people who care about her and her baby.
Then something special happened when Amanda came. Amanda was celebrating her fifteenth birthday and what she wanted to do on her birthday was to come keep the prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood. It was truly inspiring to see this family, Amanda, her brother Adam and their mom and dad on Amanda's birthday spending an hour praying for an end to abortion.
At around 5:00 a few dark clouds started to appear. The temperature cooled and my prayer partner, Jerry, commented that rain was coming. Rain had been in the forecast, but so far things had been dry. We decided to pray a rosary for the change of the hearts and minds of abortion minded men and women. We also asked for the rain to hold off until 8:00.
At around 6:00 with my shift ended I headed home leaving Jerry and two others to finish up the vigil for the day, not a drop of rain to be seen. I do believe in miracles and I do believe that our prayers are answered every day. It may be a coincidence, but at about 8:05 it began to rain.
God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.
Eric Slaughter
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
Evangelium Vitae/ The Gospel of Life
The Indianapolis 40 Days for Life prayer vigil will include a prayerful reading/proclamation of Evangelium Vitae, The Gospel of Life......For those not familiar - Evangelium Vitae, the Gospel of Life, was written by Pope John Paul II and published in 1995 to all people of good will. It explains without ambiguity the lies we are being taught by the world and the unchanging biblical truth/standard that we are all accountable to accept and obey concerning the dignity & inviolability of human life.
It will take approximately 6 hours total to prayerfully read the encyclical. Each series will be conducted outside Planned Parenthood on Georgetown Rd. at 86th St. Please come for one or all sessions. You can download Evangelium Vitae, The Gospel of Life, using this link:
http://www.catholic-pages.com/documents/evangelium_vitae.pdf
One reading/proclamation series will be on four consecutive Tuesday evenings on October 6, 13, 20, & 27 from 5:00PM to 6:30PM.
Another reading/proclamation series will be on consecutive Saturday mornings on October 10, 17, 24, & 31 from 7AM to 8:30AM.
Day 1 will cover the INTRODUCTION and CHAPTER I THE VOICE OF YOUR BROTHER'S BLOOD CRIES TO ME FROM THE GROUND PRESENT-DAY THREATS TO HUMAN LIFE
Day 2 will cover CHAPTER II I CAME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE THE CHRISTIAN MESSAGE CONCERNING LIFE
Day 3 will cover CHAPTER III YOU SHALL NOT KILL GOD'S HOLY LAW
Day 4 will cover CHAPTER IV YOU DID IT TO ME FOR A NEW CULTURE OF HUMAN LIFE and the CONCLUSION
For me personally, reading / proclaiming Evangelium Vitae, The Gospel of Life, at the abortion mill is:
1) a labor of love that will have eternal benefits
2) a powerful prayer (for an end to abortion, euthanasia, and treating one another like objects)
3) the least I can do for those that do not have a voice and for the deceived
4) an honor and a privilege
5) walking humbly and obediently with God
Sharing these words with one another, in the name of Jesus Christ, will be a joyful blessing for all. If you would like to participate, but need a ride please call Ron & Mary Kramer, 317-527-9531.
Ron Kramer
Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
It will take approximately 6 hours total to prayerfully read the encyclical. Each series will be conducted outside Planned Parenthood on Georgetown Rd. at 86th St. Please come for one or all sessions. You can download Evangelium Vitae, The Gospel of Life, using this link:
http://www.catholic-pages.com/documents/evangelium_vitae.pdf
One reading/proclamation series will be on four consecutive Tuesday evenings on October 6, 13, 20, & 27 from 5:00PM to 6:30PM.
Another reading/proclamation series will be on consecutive Saturday mornings on October 10, 17, 24, & 31 from 7AM to 8:30AM.
Day 1 will cover the INTRODUCTION and CHAPTER I THE VOICE OF YOUR BROTHER'S BLOOD CRIES TO ME FROM THE GROUND PRESENT-DAY THREATS TO HUMAN LIFE
Day 2 will cover CHAPTER II I CAME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE THE CHRISTIAN MESSAGE CONCERNING LIFE
Day 3 will cover CHAPTER III YOU SHALL NOT KILL GOD'S HOLY LAW
Day 4 will cover CHAPTER IV YOU DID IT TO ME FOR A NEW CULTURE OF HUMAN LIFE and the CONCLUSION
For me personally, reading / proclaiming Evangelium Vitae, The Gospel of Life, at the abortion mill is:
1) a labor of love that will have eternal benefits
2) a powerful prayer (for an end to abortion, euthanasia, and treating one another like objects)
3) the least I can do for those that do not have a voice and for the deceived
4) an honor and a privilege
5) walking humbly and obediently with God
Sharing these words with one another, in the name of Jesus Christ, will be a joyful blessing for all. If you would like to participate, but need a ride please call Ron & Mary Kramer, 317-527-9531.
Ron Kramer
Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Saturday, September 26, 2009
A communal sacrifice in the "blue-dark" of the morning
Day 3
Most of you who know me know I am not a morning person. So, when Joe Lehner was urging us to dig a little deeper and sacrifice more this year, I knew for me that would involve taking morning shifts. And so, I’ve signed up for a 7 a.m. shift on Tuesdays and Fridays.
As I arrived at the mill at 7 a.m., it was still pitch dark. It wasn’t even the early dawn, “blue-dark” yet, as my 5-year-old would call it. But even in the early morning darkness as I drove up, I could see two or three other figures preparing the sign-up sheets, pulling out signs and getting ready to pray. I wasn’t sacrificing alone. In fact, all across the country there were bleary-eyed pro-lifers pulling out signs and beginning to pray in complete solidarity not only with one another, but with the preborn children who will be sacrificed at these facilities. That was a comforting thought, and the subject of my prayer time this morning.
It’s this solidarity in sacrifice that makes the 40 Days for Life vigils so powerful and so effective. We are joining together as one pro-life family, both born and preborn, to pray for God’s merciful hand to intervene to stay the killing. We’re praying on behalf of our littlest brothers and sisters, we’re praying on behalf of our community and with over 200 other cities across the country, we’re praying on behalf of our nation. This solidarity is also what makes the 40 Days for Life vigil uncomfortable. We’re joining our sufferings together, as well as our prayers. We’re not only taking on the discomfort of early mornings, or rains storms or the occasional foul gesture or word from someone passing by, we’re also taking on the pain of the others praying in front of other abortion mills, the sacrifices made by sidewalk counselors and other pro-lifers, and yes, to a lesser extent, we’re taking on the pain of the 3,300 children who will be sacrificed today.
As President of Right to Life of Indianapolis, our citywide pro-life advocacy organization, I get to see the fruits of this solidarity built by 40 Days for Life. Not only are pro-lifers coming together and working together, but we’re identifying more with the preborn. Solidarity in our sacrifice is helping all of us be more effective voices on their behalf. The sacrifice of waking before the roosters, fasting during the day and enduring bad weather and bad tempers only helps us show the world what’s hidden from view in the dark building looming behind us. By joining with each other in our sufferings, we make the suffering of the children that much more visible.
Marc Tuttle
St. Luke
Most of you who know me know I am not a morning person. So, when Joe Lehner was urging us to dig a little deeper and sacrifice more this year, I knew for me that would involve taking morning shifts. And so, I’ve signed up for a 7 a.m. shift on Tuesdays and Fridays.
As I arrived at the mill at 7 a.m., it was still pitch dark. It wasn’t even the early dawn, “blue-dark” yet, as my 5-year-old would call it. But even in the early morning darkness as I drove up, I could see two or three other figures preparing the sign-up sheets, pulling out signs and getting ready to pray. I wasn’t sacrificing alone. In fact, all across the country there were bleary-eyed pro-lifers pulling out signs and beginning to pray in complete solidarity not only with one another, but with the preborn children who will be sacrificed at these facilities. That was a comforting thought, and the subject of my prayer time this morning.
It’s this solidarity in sacrifice that makes the 40 Days for Life vigils so powerful and so effective. We are joining together as one pro-life family, both born and preborn, to pray for God’s merciful hand to intervene to stay the killing. We’re praying on behalf of our littlest brothers and sisters, we’re praying on behalf of our community and with over 200 other cities across the country, we’re praying on behalf of our nation. This solidarity is also what makes the 40 Days for Life vigil uncomfortable. We’re joining our sufferings together, as well as our prayers. We’re not only taking on the discomfort of early mornings, or rains storms or the occasional foul gesture or word from someone passing by, we’re also taking on the pain of the others praying in front of other abortion mills, the sacrifices made by sidewalk counselors and other pro-lifers, and yes, to a lesser extent, we’re taking on the pain of the 3,300 children who will be sacrificed today.
As President of Right to Life of Indianapolis, our citywide pro-life advocacy organization, I get to see the fruits of this solidarity built by 40 Days for Life. Not only are pro-lifers coming together and working together, but we’re identifying more with the preborn. Solidarity in our sacrifice is helping all of us be more effective voices on their behalf. The sacrifice of waking before the roosters, fasting during the day and enduring bad weather and bad tempers only helps us show the world what’s hidden from view in the dark building looming behind us. By joining with each other in our sufferings, we make the suffering of the children that much more visible.
Marc Tuttle
St. Luke
Friday, September 25, 2009
Special Alert
A woman on her way into the abortion center this morning allowed Denny Woelfel, a sidewalk counselor, to pray over her and accepted a pamphlet of information from him. After she went into Planned Parenthood, she shared the information with the family of a 13 year old, who was there for an abortion. As they drove out, the mother of the 13 year old told Denny about the encounter inside the mill and that their hearts had been touched. With the support of her family, the 13 year old chose life for her baby!
God's Providence
Day 2
Today started out with my double booking myself. I checked my time slot to be out at pp and saw that there were other people to cover my original time. Much to my surprise there was no one listed for the 3pm (Divine Mercy Hour), so I felt it was meant that I cover this time. This allowed me to help as a Eucharistic Minister at 12:15pm in my parish.
When I got to pp there were other people there - IN THE RAIN. There was a man from South Bend that was in town for business and decided to stop and pray. What a statement that makes. We have to be there not only in the nice weather but also when it's not so nice.
Mary Dougherty was out there. We had met before at various planning meetings. As we were getting ready to leave she asked me about a meeting we had in the Carmel Deanery. I have been working on getting the pro-life groups together to share information about what we are doing. Mary is doing the same thing for the Indianapolis North Deanery. Now we are looking at both Deaneries sharing information. Talk about the Holy Spirit making things happen and all this in front of pp.
It turned out to be a very nice rainy day.
Ray Janko
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Today started out with my double booking myself. I checked my time slot to be out at pp and saw that there were other people to cover my original time. Much to my surprise there was no one listed for the 3pm (Divine Mercy Hour), so I felt it was meant that I cover this time. This allowed me to help as a Eucharistic Minister at 12:15pm in my parish.
When I got to pp there were other people there - IN THE RAIN. There was a man from South Bend that was in town for business and decided to stop and pray. What a statement that makes. We have to be there not only in the nice weather but also when it's not so nice.
Mary Dougherty was out there. We had met before at various planning meetings. As we were getting ready to leave she asked me about a meeting we had in the Carmel Deanery. I have been working on getting the pro-life groups together to share information about what we are doing. Mary is doing the same thing for the Indianapolis North Deanery. Now we are looking at both Deaneries sharing information. Talk about the Holy Spirit making things happen and all this in front of pp.
It turned out to be a very nice rainy day.
Ray Janko
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Padre Pio Pray For Us
Day 1
As I stood in front of Planned Parenthood this morning in the dark at 7 AM I was thinking that today is the Feastday of St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) and how fitting it was that our 40 Days For Life Prayer vigil started on this special day.
In fact, the ultimate reason for the apostolic effectiveness of Padre Pio, the profound root of so much spiritual fruitfulness can be found in that intimate and constant union with God, attested to by his long hours spent in prayer and in the confessional. He loved to repeat, "I am a poor Franciscan who prays" convinced that "prayer is the best weapon we have, a key that opens the heart of God".
That is still true today that prayer and forgiveness is the best we can do in today’s world.
How appropriate are these words of Jesus, when we think of them as applied to us.
Dear humble and beloved St. Padre Pio;
Teach us, we ask you, humility of heart so we may be counted among the little ones of the Gospel and the unborn, to whom the Father promised to reveal the mysteries of his Kingdom.
Help us to pray without ceasing as you did, certain that God knows what we need even before we ask him. Obtain for us the eyes of faith that will be able to recognize right away in the poor and suffering of these poor defenseless babies.
Sustain us in the hour of the combat and of the trial against death and, if we fall, make us experience the joy of the sacrament of forgiveness.
Grant us your tender devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother.
Accompany us on our earthly pilgrimage here on earth toward the blessed homeland, where we hope to arrive in order to contemplate forever the glory of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Joe Mennel
St. Barnabas
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Kick Off Rally
Sunday's Kick off Rally was very special. The day started out gloomy and rainy. All who were involved prayed for the rain to hold out during our walk. And it did!!
We decided to have a holy hour and benediction before the rally, something we had not done before. We know God comes first and what better way to pray to Him for a successful 40 Days than this. The holy hour took place at 12:30pm, was led by Fr. Joseph Newton from St. Luke's parish and seminarians from the archdiocese assisted him. Praise the Lord for our youth who are so willing to help! One of the more than 30 people that participated in the holy hour said it was a beautiful way to start the 40 Days for Life campaign.
The rally was very inspirational. Shawn Carney, one of the founders of 40 Days for Life, was our keynote speaker. He spoke at our last kick off rally in the spring and was even more inspiring this time. We were treated to a special treat because his wife, Marilisa, another one of the founders for 40 Days for Life, also spoke. She was so excited to be here with us and excited for the chance to speak to all of us. She is a very warm and caring mother of three and extremely passionate about the prolife movement!
Luis Aguayo from the Hispanic Catholic Family Movement group also addressed the audience of more than 130 people. He is so dedicated to saving innocent lives and has participated in all four of our 40 Days for Life campaigns. This time Luis showed us he is starting to learn more English and addressed us in English with a beautiful story about how he is trying to get the Hispanic community and his parish priest more involved.
Everyone left the rally energized and excited. Most of the people made the 2.5 mile walk to Planned Parenthood. It was beautiful to see the sea of people walking along 86th Street, standing for life. I stayed in the back for most of the walk and it was amazing to see all the people walking and praying for the unborn and the end to abortion. Prayers and songs could be heard in both Spanish and English.
Upon arriving at Planned Parenthood, we gathered for the Rosary. We prayed it by alternating the Our Fathers and the Hail Mary's in English and Spanish. Once we had completed the Rosary, Father Noah Casey, also from St. Luke parish, encouraged our efforts and gave us a blessing.
With that, the rally concluded and now we are called to schedule our time to come and pray every week. I hope we can all wait one hour with the Lord these 40 Days.
Elaine Alvarez
St. Luke
Friday, September 18, 2009
Anticipation
As I sit here tonight holding my precious sleeping infant, awaiting the Kick Off Rally tomorrow, I praise God for the gift of life. I think about how my life has completely changed since I had my son, and for the better. At the same time, mixed emotions overcome me. I become a little sad remembering how 6 years ago I was not in the best of places. Alone and scared, because I was separated from my abusive ex-husband. Alone and scared, because I was raped and as a result became pregnant.
What was I to do? Where was I to go? Who would believe me? Who would help me? Too many questions occupied my mind. No longer being able to keep this secret, I had to tell someone, so at five months pregnant I told my parents. But not everything. Out of fear and shame, I did not tell them about the rape. Everyone was happy and excited, but I was not. How could I be? I put on a good face and tried to go along with everyone else. My ex-husband and I got back together.
One night, I could not take it anymore. It was too much for me. I broke down crying and spilled my heart out to my ex-husband. I told him I was raped. He made me call my family right away. I felt ashamed. My mom asked me about adoption and I spent a lot of nights thinking about it long and hard.
Finally, two weeks before my due date, I decided it would be best for my baby to have a mother and father. My ex-husband had left me again so there would not be a father figure. Being adopted myself, I knew the advantages and disadvantages. I knew that for my baby the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. I was able to pick the adopting parents and met them before the birth. In fact, they were in the delivery room when my baby boy was born.
Six years later, I still know and feel I made the right decision, but I miss him.
So, tonight as I write this, I think about the women who go in for an abortion and wonder how I can make a difference. I realize that I can make a difference by being there praying for them, praying to God that their mind changes away from abortion. I also believe, hope actually, that these words can make a difference, that they can help them see that there are other, better, choices.
I am so glad for this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign. I am excited to stand up for the unborn at tomorrow's Kick Off Rally and to stand outside Planned Parenthood. I am so thankful for this event because I believe it truly touches the hearts of the women who come there for an abortion.
I am eagerly anticipating the Lord's goodness in this fall's campaign.
A woman who by the grace of God chose life
What was I to do? Where was I to go? Who would believe me? Who would help me? Too many questions occupied my mind. No longer being able to keep this secret, I had to tell someone, so at five months pregnant I told my parents. But not everything. Out of fear and shame, I did not tell them about the rape. Everyone was happy and excited, but I was not. How could I be? I put on a good face and tried to go along with everyone else. My ex-husband and I got back together.
One night, I could not take it anymore. It was too much for me. I broke down crying and spilled my heart out to my ex-husband. I told him I was raped. He made me call my family right away. I felt ashamed. My mom asked me about adoption and I spent a lot of nights thinking about it long and hard.
Finally, two weeks before my due date, I decided it would be best for my baby to have a mother and father. My ex-husband had left me again so there would not be a father figure. Being adopted myself, I knew the advantages and disadvantages. I knew that for my baby the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. I was able to pick the adopting parents and met them before the birth. In fact, they were in the delivery room when my baby boy was born.
Six years later, I still know and feel I made the right decision, but I miss him.
So, tonight as I write this, I think about the women who go in for an abortion and wonder how I can make a difference. I realize that I can make a difference by being there praying for them, praying to God that their mind changes away from abortion. I also believe, hope actually, that these words can make a difference, that they can help them see that there are other, better, choices.
I am so glad for this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign. I am excited to stand up for the unborn at tomorrow's Kick Off Rally and to stand outside Planned Parenthood. I am so thankful for this event because I believe it truly touches the hearts of the women who come there for an abortion.
I am eagerly anticipating the Lord's goodness in this fall's campaign.
A woman who by the grace of God chose life
Thursday, September 17, 2009
VIGIL: TO WATCH ONE HOUR
“And they went to a place which was called Gethsem'ane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I pray." And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch." “
(Mat. 14:32-34)
The Sun is still below the horizon, one car and then two more move pass the building and park at the side of the road. Three people emerge into the chilled morning air and walk slowly to the grassy area in front of the building. There is a row of trees planted delicately in an alternating pattern just beyond the property line; an attempt to soften to the eye the true purpose of this place. The building, with a brick veneer, has the appearance of a small fortress with an iron fence to keep someone out, or perhaps to keep someone in.
As the sun rises, more people come to join the first three who have begun to pray. They gather together in greeting, shaking hands and embracing one another. There are brief introductions and then they return to prayer.
Two more cars arrive, one turns into the driveway, moves around the building and disappears. The second car parks in the right-of-way at the side of the road and a man and a woman get out. They walk to the side of the drivewa, pamphlets in hand with information to be given to frightened mothers driving into the building to keep an appointment. Some of the mothers are brought by their friends, by their boyfriends or husbands and some by their parents: the grandmothers and grandfathers of the babies.
More cars turn into the driveway and without bothering to slow down, disappear behind the building, but one car, blue with several rust spots and a broken tail light, stops and the woman who has stood near the driveway, the sidewalk counselor, approaches. She smiles and waves and the window is rolled down. Words are exchanged, a pamphlet is offered and received. It contains words and images of the truth that goes on inside the building. The man and woman in the car thank the counselor and they also disappear behind the building.
“And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."” (Mat. 14:37-38)
Soon a police car arrives and parks at the end of the building. The officer is there to make sure everything is safe. By now the sun has risen, peeking above the office building to the east. More cars arrive carrying prayer partners, Bibles in hand. As they step onto the grassy prayer vigil area, those who had arrived earlier greet them and then leave to go to their jobs and continue their day. This new group opens their Bible to read a familiar passage. A man there with rosary in hand silently prays, meditating on the life of Christ, the sorrowful mysteries. He falls to his knees as he considers the scourging at the pillar of our Lord, and tears slowly roll down his face. In his mind, in his soul, he sees Jesus suffering and he sees the bodies of the innocent unborn who suffer and die within this building.
An expensive looking car drives in and everyone takes notice. Some make the sign of the cross and say a special prayer for the driver. Clouds seem to block the sunlight with the sun now higher in the sky while prayer partners come and go. A man carrying a tall pole with a crucifix on tops comes to pray. A couple with their two small children spread out a blanket while five high school students sit in a circle, rosaries in hand.
The man who cried while on his knees rises and approaches another group in prayer. The apparent leader of this group is praying passionately. He grips a Bible tightly in his and asks God to forgive him, to forgive our country and free us from the sin of abortion. Each member of this group in turn lifts up a prayer from their heart. The man at his turn offers up his own prayer. He prays for the babies, for the mothers who are frightened and for the fathers who are confused. He prays for the grandparents who may never hold their grandchildren in their arms. And he prays for the abortionist whose soul is tortured by daily acts of violence done to those who are silent.
“And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time, and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come; the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand."” (Mat. 14:40-42)
By God’s grace they come, you come and pray, to keep the vigil and to give witness to the pain and suffering, to the lie that is abortion. Everyday the vigil is kept. Every hour someone is there. Many wonder why you waste your time. “Have you nothing better to do?” “Why don’t you mind your own business.”
Suddenly there are sounds of joyous laughter as the rusting blue car drives away. The sidewalk counselor walks over to the prayer partners. “The girl said she had prayed for a sign, if she was making the right choice. When she saw you praying here she wasn’t sure what to do. The father didn’t really want the abortion, so they just sat in the car and prayed. They said they just couldn’t do it.”
This is why we do it, why we stand in the cold, and the rain, to pray for that one child, that one family. This is the end of abortion.
Come to keep the vigil, to respond to our Lord’s plea. Come to the garden and watch one hour with Him.
Eric Slaughter
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
(Mat. 14:32-34)
The Sun is still below the horizon, one car and then two more move pass the building and park at the side of the road. Three people emerge into the chilled morning air and walk slowly to the grassy area in front of the building. There is a row of trees planted delicately in an alternating pattern just beyond the property line; an attempt to soften to the eye the true purpose of this place. The building, with a brick veneer, has the appearance of a small fortress with an iron fence to keep someone out, or perhaps to keep someone in.
As the sun rises, more people come to join the first three who have begun to pray. They gather together in greeting, shaking hands and embracing one another. There are brief introductions and then they return to prayer.
Two more cars arrive, one turns into the driveway, moves around the building and disappears. The second car parks in the right-of-way at the side of the road and a man and a woman get out. They walk to the side of the drivewa, pamphlets in hand with information to be given to frightened mothers driving into the building to keep an appointment. Some of the mothers are brought by their friends, by their boyfriends or husbands and some by their parents: the grandmothers and grandfathers of the babies.
More cars turn into the driveway and without bothering to slow down, disappear behind the building, but one car, blue with several rust spots and a broken tail light, stops and the woman who has stood near the driveway, the sidewalk counselor, approaches. She smiles and waves and the window is rolled down. Words are exchanged, a pamphlet is offered and received. It contains words and images of the truth that goes on inside the building. The man and woman in the car thank the counselor and they also disappear behind the building.
“And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."” (Mat. 14:37-38)
Soon a police car arrives and parks at the end of the building. The officer is there to make sure everything is safe. By now the sun has risen, peeking above the office building to the east. More cars arrive carrying prayer partners, Bibles in hand. As they step onto the grassy prayer vigil area, those who had arrived earlier greet them and then leave to go to their jobs and continue their day. This new group opens their Bible to read a familiar passage. A man there with rosary in hand silently prays, meditating on the life of Christ, the sorrowful mysteries. He falls to his knees as he considers the scourging at the pillar of our Lord, and tears slowly roll down his face. In his mind, in his soul, he sees Jesus suffering and he sees the bodies of the innocent unborn who suffer and die within this building.
An expensive looking car drives in and everyone takes notice. Some make the sign of the cross and say a special prayer for the driver. Clouds seem to block the sunlight with the sun now higher in the sky while prayer partners come and go. A man carrying a tall pole with a crucifix on tops comes to pray. A couple with their two small children spread out a blanket while five high school students sit in a circle, rosaries in hand.
The man who cried while on his knees rises and approaches another group in prayer. The apparent leader of this group is praying passionately. He grips a Bible tightly in his and asks God to forgive him, to forgive our country and free us from the sin of abortion. Each member of this group in turn lifts up a prayer from their heart. The man at his turn offers up his own prayer. He prays for the babies, for the mothers who are frightened and for the fathers who are confused. He prays for the grandparents who may never hold their grandchildren in their arms. And he prays for the abortionist whose soul is tortured by daily acts of violence done to those who are silent.
“And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time, and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come; the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand."” (Mat. 14:40-42)
By God’s grace they come, you come and pray, to keep the vigil and to give witness to the pain and suffering, to the lie that is abortion. Everyday the vigil is kept. Every hour someone is there. Many wonder why you waste your time. “Have you nothing better to do?” “Why don’t you mind your own business.”
Suddenly there are sounds of joyous laughter as the rusting blue car drives away. The sidewalk counselor walks over to the prayer partners. “The girl said she had prayed for a sign, if she was making the right choice. When she saw you praying here she wasn’t sure what to do. The father didn’t really want the abortion, so they just sat in the car and prayed. They said they just couldn’t do it.”
This is why we do it, why we stand in the cold, and the rain, to pray for that one child, that one family. This is the end of abortion.
Come to keep the vigil, to respond to our Lord’s plea. Come to the garden and watch one hour with Him.
Eric Slaughter
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
Saturday, September 12, 2009
FASTING: CRUCIAL SPIRITUAL WEAPON WAITING TO BE USED
When we consider the tragic consequences of abortion, its spiritual underpinnings, and our seeming inability to bring it to an end, we are tempted to fall into despair. How can we banish this horrific practice from our midst? Will we ever see victory in this battle?
We cannot do it- only God can deliver us from this evil. Only God can bring victory. As Jesus responded to his disciples when they asked why they couldn’t deliver out a certain evil spirit: “some can be delivered out only by prayer and fasting” (Mk 9:29). We should consider this reality when we ask how and when this struggle against abortion will end.
Over the past 30 years, most pro-lifers have not fully embraced one of the greatest spiritual weapons available in their struggle against abortion- sacrificial fasting. It is a key to victory over evil found in the New (Mt 4:1) and Old Testaments (2 Chro 20:3; Est 4:16). Jesus, Moses, and Elijah all fasted- for 40 days (although we are not calling for that!).
Fasting can take many forms; just choose something (preferably something to do with eating) to sacrifice to the Lord. Fasting is an individual practice and takes many forms. Following the early church, 40 Days for Life Indianapolis has chosen Wednesday or Fridays as fasting days, so if possible, choose one of those days and sacrifice in community with others in this struggle.
Many early church fathers suggested that one spiritual benefit of fasting was how it helps discipline us and free us from slavery to our passions and desires. A most timely practice for this current age!
Please leave any questions or thoughts about this ancient Christian practice.
Joseph Lehner
Holy Rosary
We cannot do it- only God can deliver us from this evil. Only God can bring victory. As Jesus responded to his disciples when they asked why they couldn’t deliver out a certain evil spirit: “some can be delivered out only by prayer and fasting” (Mk 9:29). We should consider this reality when we ask how and when this struggle against abortion will end.
Over the past 30 years, most pro-lifers have not fully embraced one of the greatest spiritual weapons available in their struggle against abortion- sacrificial fasting. It is a key to victory over evil found in the New (Mt 4:1) and Old Testaments (2 Chro 20:3; Est 4:16). Jesus, Moses, and Elijah all fasted- for 40 days (although we are not calling for that!).
Fasting can take many forms; just choose something (preferably something to do with eating) to sacrifice to the Lord. Fasting is an individual practice and takes many forms. Following the early church, 40 Days for Life Indianapolis has chosen Wednesday or Fridays as fasting days, so if possible, choose one of those days and sacrifice in community with others in this struggle.
Many early church fathers suggested that one spiritual benefit of fasting was how it helps discipline us and free us from slavery to our passions and desires. A most timely practice for this current age!
Please leave any questions or thoughts about this ancient Christian practice.
Joseph Lehner
Holy Rosary
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
WHY PRAY DURING 40 DAYS FOR LIFE?
Doesn’t God already know what we are thinking, even before we pray? So you say, why waste our time telling Him something that He already knows? In prayer we are communicating with God and getting closer to Him. Through Prayer we offer our praise and worship to the one true God who deserves all praise and glory. Prayer is a two way street. We talk to God and God talks to us. We must humble ourselves, pray, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, if we expect God to hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land from this horrific travesty of killing His unborn children.
We are all human and come to God in brokenness and repentance over our sins. We cry out for God’s mercy and ask for the scourge of abortion to be removed from our land. When we pray together for a culture of life it creates unity, encourages one another to be more out spoken, to love one another and brings about a change of heart to help those in need and not be critical or judgmental. Dozens of babies have been spared since we have been praying at Planned Parenthood: please know our prayers are already being answered.
So, if your prayer life isn’t what it ought to be, don’t be upset, just join us! Maybe you hadn’t grasped how important prayer really is? Now that you know, ask for God’s help for us all, for this realm more than any, apart from Him we can do nothing. There is no chance we can end abortion without God’s divine intervention, which requires prayer and fasting on our part.
Dear Lord, as you lead us into this spiritual battle of life over death may we be reminded the battle is truly Yours and bigger then anyone of us can solve on our own. "We know that all things work for the good for those who love God" (Romans 8:28).
Joe Mennel
St. Barnabas
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)