The weather on Saturday afternoon was cloudy and rainy - a fitting recognition from nature of the sad activities taking place inside the building. There weren't many of us there in that time slot from noon until 1:00 - but we huddled together and prayed the Rosary and invoked the aid of Saint Michael. As our hour came to an end, we were joined by additional prayer warriors, who decided to remain in their vehicle due to the soggy weather, and the difficulty it presented for maneuvering a wheelchair. Therefore, we literally had the entrance to PP flanked with prayer on both sides, when a single young woman in a silver vehicle pulled in. She came to a sudden stop in the drive, but because she pulled up far enough to indicate that she wasn't seeking to engage in a discussion with us, we simply started to pray fervently to the Blessed Mother. After several minutes, the car made a wide turn and drove back out and away from the facility - with the young woman talking on her cell phone. While we don't know for sure what circumstances brought her to the PP that day, we were all encouraged by what appeared to be a definite change of plans! We continue to hope it also meant a change of heart.
Maureen Devlin
Monday, March 15, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Strangers and new friends, seeking God
First, we had a definite turnaround - blinker and slowdown, and then a reversal of thought. The car drove off!
Second, was the appearance of a young lady named Rachael who happened to drive by and decided to join us, on a whim! She hails from West Lafayette and was in town to teach a ballet class. Having a couple hours to kill in between obligations and happening upon our location, she stopped to participate because I "reminded her of her best friend's dad who she really looks up to". Indeed, God works in mysterious ways!
Additionally, there was a high school-aged couple who arrived in a Mustang as patrons. They were in visible distress, and the girl, especially, seemed tortured with her "predicament". It struck me as a situation where the popular jock gets together with the good looking gal and the "fun" relationship ends in a pregnancy, and guy pressures girl into abortion. If there is any way to broadcast a request for prayer particular for these two, please relay the sentiment. Their misled desperation struck my heart poignantly and I begged God to intercede.
Vince DeStefano
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Second, was the appearance of a young lady named Rachael who happened to drive by and decided to join us, on a whim! She hails from West Lafayette and was in town to teach a ballet class. Having a couple hours to kill in between obligations and happening upon our location, she stopped to participate because I "reminded her of her best friend's dad who she really looks up to". Indeed, God works in mysterious ways!
Additionally, there was a high school-aged couple who arrived in a Mustang as patrons. They were in visible distress, and the girl, especially, seemed tortured with her "predicament". It struck me as a situation where the popular jock gets together with the good looking gal and the "fun" relationship ends in a pregnancy, and guy pressures girl into abortion. If there is any way to broadcast a request for prayer particular for these two, please relay the sentiment. Their misled desperation struck my heart poignantly and I begged God to intercede.
Vince DeStefano
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Choices
While praying and looking at the Planned Parenthood building I often began to think about my children.
My daughter is in heaven due to a choice made more than 28 years ago. She died in a place very similar to Planned Parenthood. My step-daughter, whom I did not raise, has three children.
My second choice, to marry my wonderful wife, meant that I would never be able to father another child.
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be a father seeing his child born into the world, to comfort his wife after a long labor and to hold his new born baby in his arms. Due to my choices I will never know this feeling, but God in his mercy has blessed me in other ways. He has given me children by another means. Because our step-daughter did not believe in abortion she had no choice but to choose life for her children. Though I lost my fatherhood, God in his limitless mercy has seen fit to allow me to experience "grandparenthood."
My daughter is in heaven due to a choice made more than 28 years ago. She died in a place very similar to Planned Parenthood. My step-daughter, whom I did not raise, has three children.
My second choice, to marry my wonderful wife, meant that I would never be able to father another child.
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be a father seeing his child born into the world, to comfort his wife after a long labor and to hold his new born baby in his arms. Due to my choices I will never know this feeling, but God in his mercy has blessed me in other ways. He has given me children by another means. Because our step-daughter did not believe in abortion she had no choice but to choose life for her children. Though I lost my fatherhood, God in his limitless mercy has seen fit to allow me to experience "grandparenthood."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
What is this fasting thing all about?
I am looking forward to fasting during this 40 days prayer vigil and I want to reflect on the importance of fasting. Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food and drink for some time period in order to focus on spiritual growth through prayer. As we focus these 40 days of Lent on 40 Days For Life, those that participate are praying and fasting for a change of heart and for an end to abortion.
I believe fasting helps us to be more open to God’s will and guidance in our every day lives. We receive grace and strength from fasting and this helps us to grow in holiness, which enables us to bring more people to Christ. By seeking the Lord in this more intense way, we find it easier to hear God’s voice as we contemplate important decisions. Together this Lent, let us make fasting a gift we give back to God.
There has been a decline in the practice of fasting in recent decades, even though God’s people have been fasting for thousand of years and the bible documents the many positive results of fasting. Today’s society does not see much value in self-discipline or self-denial because we live in a culture of instant gratification.
However, through fasting and prayer, our physical hunger will uncover our underlying spiritual hunger. It is all about emptying ourselves so Jesus can fill us with His spiritual food. When done with the right disposition, fasting can help prepare us for the work God has in store for us – work that actually builds His kingdom here on earth. He wants us to work towards an end to all injustice especially the killing of His precious unborn children.
We cannot do it on our own- 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: He said “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 here on earth.
Let us spend this Lenten season telling the Lord that we all want and need more of Him…. and less of us through fasting!
Joe Mennel
I believe fasting helps us to be more open to God’s will and guidance in our every day lives. We receive grace and strength from fasting and this helps us to grow in holiness, which enables us to bring more people to Christ. By seeking the Lord in this more intense way, we find it easier to hear God’s voice as we contemplate important decisions. Together this Lent, let us make fasting a gift we give back to God.
There has been a decline in the practice of fasting in recent decades, even though God’s people have been fasting for thousand of years and the bible documents the many positive results of fasting. Today’s society does not see much value in self-discipline or self-denial because we live in a culture of instant gratification.
However, through fasting and prayer, our physical hunger will uncover our underlying spiritual hunger. It is all about emptying ourselves so Jesus can fill us with His spiritual food. When done with the right disposition, fasting can help prepare us for the work God has in store for us – work that actually builds His kingdom here on earth. He wants us to work towards an end to all injustice especially the killing of His precious unborn children.
We cannot do it on our own- 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: He said “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 here on earth.
Let us spend this Lenten season telling the Lord that we all want and need more of Him…. and less of us through fasting!
Joe Mennel
Monday, February 22, 2010
Carving out the snow
Have you ever used a snow blower on grass? At 8:30 at night? Me neither- but as we cleared an area for prayer partners at the vigil site, some things kept me from getting cold:
I was warmed by the faith and Christ-like love which so many people would bring to this space during 40 Days.
I was warmed by the image of them standing amidst the snow. Our commitment cannot be discouraged or shaped by the climate we encounter- be it cold temperatures outside or lukewarm reactions inside the hearts of our brothers and sisters!
Lastly, I was warmed by the hope that 40 days hence, we'd be (hopefully!) standing in that spot wearing t-shirts, thinking about the ways God had blessed the "spring" campaign!
As the silence was broken by the motor of the snow blower, some powerful images struck me:
The Snow: an obstacle to our commitment. The snow and frozen ice, like all things, can (God willing) be shoveled aside through His power and intercession. Once we begin the work, His Grace will be sufficient, and difficult tasks will be rendered much more manageable. Remember- we are called to be faithful, not necessarily victorious. Only He knows when Spring and deliverance from this evil will arrive. Until then, He gives us Grace.
It is this Grace which enables people to step away from busy lives and come to 40 Days regardless of the weather. It is this Grace which fuels the sidewalk counselors who've been standing up for life year round in heat, chill, rain, and snow.
A Clearing in the Snow: the space on which we stand. Amidst a frozen tundra of the culture of death, there is a place which Christ has created for each of us to stand and grow in holiness. As we walk in faith and devotion, we discover these places.
Often these places are most unexpected. Many of had no idea, years ago, that we'd be quietly praying in the snow in front of an abortion mill in 2010. We are called to be a light on a hill (Mt 5:14). Everyone who sees you standing there in the cold- random motorists, abortion industry workers, scared women considering abortion, women regretting their decision, men regretting lost fatherhood- will be reminded, consciously or subconsciously, of the light of truth and Jesus' love.
Jesus sees you standing there, too. And His tender heart hears your prayers. His love is the truth; His love is what melts both snow and sin. His love and resurrection are the spring of new life.
As we shoveled and blew snow in front of Planned Parenthood that night, I imagined a female employee arriving to work there early the next morning. In my mind, I imagined she was the first to arrive- before anyone was inside the building or outside by the street. I imagined that pulling up in her car, she sees the clearing in the snow, and the cross which was carved out beside it. I imagined her pausing at this announcement of our impending return, and wondering for just a moment what drove people to do this twice a year. I imagined God's love reaching out to her as she looked upon the clearing, a safe place of love, acceptance, and life amidst the frozen snow. And I imagined her sitting in the warm car, wondering if she should be there.
Anonymous
I was warmed by the faith and Christ-like love which so many people would bring to this space during 40 Days.
I was warmed by the image of them standing amidst the snow. Our commitment cannot be discouraged or shaped by the climate we encounter- be it cold temperatures outside or lukewarm reactions inside the hearts of our brothers and sisters!
Lastly, I was warmed by the hope that 40 days hence, we'd be (hopefully!) standing in that spot wearing t-shirts, thinking about the ways God had blessed the "spring" campaign!
As the silence was broken by the motor of the snow blower, some powerful images struck me:
The Snow: an obstacle to our commitment. The snow and frozen ice, like all things, can (God willing) be shoveled aside through His power and intercession. Once we begin the work, His Grace will be sufficient, and difficult tasks will be rendered much more manageable. Remember- we are called to be faithful, not necessarily victorious. Only He knows when Spring and deliverance from this evil will arrive. Until then, He gives us Grace.
It is this Grace which enables people to step away from busy lives and come to 40 Days regardless of the weather. It is this Grace which fuels the sidewalk counselors who've been standing up for life year round in heat, chill, rain, and snow.
A Clearing in the Snow: the space on which we stand. Amidst a frozen tundra of the culture of death, there is a place which Christ has created for each of us to stand and grow in holiness. As we walk in faith and devotion, we discover these places.
Often these places are most unexpected. Many of had no idea, years ago, that we'd be quietly praying in the snow in front of an abortion mill in 2010. We are called to be a light on a hill (Mt 5:14). Everyone who sees you standing there in the cold- random motorists, abortion industry workers, scared women considering abortion, women regretting their decision, men regretting lost fatherhood- will be reminded, consciously or subconsciously, of the light of truth and Jesus' love.
Jesus sees you standing there, too. And His tender heart hears your prayers. His love is the truth; His love is what melts both snow and sin. His love and resurrection are the spring of new life.
As we shoveled and blew snow in front of Planned Parenthood that night, I imagined a female employee arriving to work there early the next morning. In my mind, I imagined she was the first to arrive- before anyone was inside the building or outside by the street. I imagined that pulling up in her car, she sees the clearing in the snow, and the cross which was carved out beside it. I imagined her pausing at this announcement of our impending return, and wondering for just a moment what drove people to do this twice a year. I imagined God's love reaching out to her as she looked upon the clearing, a safe place of love, acceptance, and life amidst the frozen snow. And I imagined her sitting in the warm car, wondering if she should be there.
Anonymous
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Why We Fight
“Band of Brothers,” a 2001 ten-part miniseries based on the book of the same name, follows a group of WWII paratroopers, E Company (“Easy Company”), through basic training, the D-Day invasion at Normandy, into occupied France and finally into Germany. Author Stephen Ambrose based his narrative on interviews with Easy Company veterans.
In the ninth episode, “Why We Fight,” the soldiers encounter a whole new realm of evil. It’s April 1945, the war in Europe is all but over, and the men of Easy Company are stationed in the German town of Landsberg awaiting orders. One day a few of them venture out to explore the area. They come to the edge of a forest, and before them stands a high barbed wire fence with a locked gate. Behind it are hundreds, perhaps thousands of dazed, emaciated, starving prisoners.
The men of Easy Company have seen fierce battle, but this is a horror of an altogether different kind, and they are speechless.
After they set about meeting the prisoners’ basic needs, like food, water, and medical attention, they force the townspeople from Landsberg out to the camp to make them look, straight on, at the human atrocity which has been taking place in their own back yard and presumably with their complicity.
This scene came to my mind yesterday as I stood and prayed, quietly, outside a Planned Parenthood clinic. It was Day 1 of 40 Days for Life.
Terrell Clemmons
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Lenten Vigil
Well, it is time for the 40 Days for Life Spring 2010 campaign of prayer and fasting to end abortion. This past Sunday we had a very nice Pro-life Mass celebrated by Fr. Jeremy with Fr. Todd. Thirty-five people where in attendance at St. Monica Catholic Church on Michigan Road, not too far from Planned Parenthood. Afterward about 15 of us went to the abortion facility to pray. Three or four years ago St Monica's was the first to begin praying at the Planned Parenthood site even before the abortion facility opened. How tragic that in that neighborhood, three stone throws away from where families live, children's lives are ended every week.
Thankfully St Monica's was there and along with others from area churches under the name of Shield of Roses, prayer partners continue to go there every Saturday morning, rain or shine to pray. Usually there are five to ten people who pray there, but what if there were more? What if every Saturday twenty or thirty people showed up to pray together? What if everyday someone - you or me took time out of our day to pray just one hour a week in front of Planned Parenthood? If you haven't tried it yet you might be surprised at how rewarding it can be. Bring a friend with you and pray together or pray by yourself.
With Lent coming please pray just one hour a week for an end to abortion. Pray at home or at church, and if you are so moved please join us at the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil site in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility at 8590 Georgetown Road. Our vigil is peaceful and prayerful and can be a time of reflection, a time to examine oneself and one's relationship with our Lord.
At this place where death dwells, God is still present. It is as though we are at the foot of the cross with Mary and John where we ask Him for forgiveness, for the conversion of our hearts. At the foot of the cross we pray for those who feel helpless and for those who are. At the foot of the cross there is suffering, but there is also joy. It is through the prayer partners that God brings joy and the chance for a mother and a father to think again about their choice.
Eric Slaughter
Coordinator of 40 Days for Life Indianapolis
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
Thankfully St Monica's was there and along with others from area churches under the name of Shield of Roses, prayer partners continue to go there every Saturday morning, rain or shine to pray. Usually there are five to ten people who pray there, but what if there were more? What if every Saturday twenty or thirty people showed up to pray together? What if everyday someone - you or me took time out of our day to pray just one hour a week in front of Planned Parenthood? If you haven't tried it yet you might be surprised at how rewarding it can be. Bring a friend with you and pray together or pray by yourself.
With Lent coming please pray just one hour a week for an end to abortion. Pray at home or at church, and if you are so moved please join us at the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil site in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility at 8590 Georgetown Road. Our vigil is peaceful and prayerful and can be a time of reflection, a time to examine oneself and one's relationship with our Lord.
At this place where death dwells, God is still present. It is as though we are at the foot of the cross with Mary and John where we ask Him for forgiveness, for the conversion of our hearts. At the foot of the cross we pray for those who feel helpless and for those who are. At the foot of the cross there is suffering, but there is also joy. It is through the prayer partners that God brings joy and the chance for a mother and a father to think again about their choice.
Eric Slaughter
Coordinator of 40 Days for Life Indianapolis
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
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