The diocesan Respect Life Office launches its 40 Days for Life fall campaign, Sept. 27-Nov. 5, by inviting Hawaii parishioners to be beacons of hope to save mothers and their unborn children from abortion, to be witnesses and voices in defense of the vulnerable in their communities.
40 Days for Life is a faith-based effort in the United States — endorsed by the Vatican, expanded to 44 nations — that puts the desire to end abortion into action. The program draws attention to the evil of abortion through a three-point program:
Prayer and fasting: Inviting people of faith to commit to 40 days of prayer and fasting to end abortion
Peaceful vigil: Standing for life through a 40-day peaceful, prayerful, public witness outside Planned Parenthood abortion facilities in Honolulu and Kahului, Maui.
Community outreach: Starting in parishes, spreading a positive, upbeat pro-life message throughout the community through media efforts, church presentations and public visibility
Because it can be a fearful and intimidating experience for many to pray publicly in front of an abortion site, the Respect Life Office has modified the program so that all parishioners can participate. The objective is to have prayer and fasting in every parish, 12 hours a day for the 40-day campaign, imploring God to transform hearts.
For more information, contact the Respect Life Office at 203-6722 or respectlife@rcchawaii.org. To learn more about 40 Days for Life, visit www.40daysforlife.com.