'40 Days for Life' gaining traction

Now in its fourth year in New Orleans, the “40 Days for Life” celebration is attracting people of all ages and faiths.

At a recent organizational meeting for this year’s month-long event Sept. 28-Nov. 6, yard signs and prayer cards were distributed and individuals signed up for a prayer shift during the 40 days for an end to abortion.

“We’re excited about this year’s event,” organizer and Louisiana Right to Life Federation executive director Ben Clapper said.

The official kickoff rally will be Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at 3044 Ridgelake Drive in Metairie. A

multi-pronged campaign is planned: prayer, fasting and the constant vigil 12 hours a day – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. – for 40 days straight at the Metairie clinic on Ridgelake Avenue where an estimated 300 lives are aborted monthly. There also will be community outreach.

“It’s founded on prayer and that the Lord has given life,” Clapper said. “We are here to protect what God has given us. We are his hands and feet on earth to defend life.”

Clapper said the most visible manifestation of the 40 days is the prayer vigil in Metairie.

“We are there to offer a sign of hope for people who go into the center to show them there is another way,” he said.

Vigil coordinator and recent Tulane University graduate Garrett Gros mentioned that 15 of the 40 days vigil already had been adopted. He recommends that at least two people serve each hour.

He said the point of the vigil is not just to save lives but that lives can be transformed through participation.

“It’s not just for those we minister to, it’s for us, too,” Gros said. 

Clapper said he’s seen at least 12 lives saved annually since the campaign started in New Orleans in 2007.

“Our presence is making an effect,” he said. 

Momentum for the event is picking up nationally and throughout Louisiana, with simultaneous events planned this year in front of facilities that perform abortions in Baton Rouge, Shreveport and Metairie.

“Hopefully, we’ll see one (abortion facility), if not all, close their doors,” Clapper said.

How it all began

A rush of enthusiasm ensued at the organization’s meeting when national 40 Days for Life director David Bereit phoned in and discussed the impact since the first campaign seven years ago in College Station, Texas. He said that event began out of desperation and prayer after an abortion clinic opened in Texas. He and others thought they would pray for an hour, but God touched his heart to organize an event for 40 days.

Since then, more than 1,332 campaigns in 378 cities across the 50 states attended by 400,000 people from 13,000 church congregations have been completed,  Bereit said,

He gave additional statistics: 15 abortion facilities have gone out of business after the conclusion of a 40 Days for Life campaign; 53 abortion workers quit their job and left the industry.

“It’s a testament of what happens when God puts their faith in action,” he said.

International reach

The 2011 national spring 40 Days for Life event was held in 247 cities. And already, 303 cities, including towns in Germany and Argentina, plan to participate this fall.

“We can’t wait to see what God has in store for this campaign,” Bereit said. “After 38 years of abortion in this country, the time is now to end this great injustice.”

Clapper discussed several local initiatives this year. 40 Days for Life prayer cards are being sold (1,000 cards for $40) and Our Lady of Hope pregnant Mary statues are available on the Web site (www.40daysforlifenola.org).

More than a dozen statues have been blessed by Archbishop Gregory Aymond for use in the perpetual adoration chapels around the archdiocese. The online vigil calendar is available for groups to choose a day and time to pray. Information can also be found at www.prolifelouisiana.org or by calling 835-6520.

This is the fourth year that Monica Cancienne of St. Cletus Parish has been involved in 40 Days for Life. She said the event spoke to her heart.

  “I felt pulled to help,” she said. “I have several grandchildren – the oldest is 18 – and if my children had decided differently, they might not be here.”

Christine Bordelon can be reached at cbordelon@clarion herald.org.