News

Prayers, walk launch 40-day vigil for life

By Heather Chrudimsky
Compass Correspondent

	MARCHING FOR LIFE: Lori Koschnick of Newton, planner for the 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil, and piper Joe Reinke from Little Chute lead marchers from the Cathedral to protest abortion. (Rick Evans photo)

Life is precious. That was the foundation May 9 for the nearly one-hour prayer service at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral to start the 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil that seeks an end to abortion.

The afternoon prayer service was followed by a silent 10-block march to the OB/GYN & Associates clinic in the Medical Arts Building, 704 S. Webster Ave., Green Bay, where the 40-day vigil will continue until June 18.

Bp. David Zubik told the 50-70 people at the service that the main purpose of the vigil is to find a peaceful way to end abortion and strengthen the respect for human life.

"The peace-filled intent of this observance over the course of 40 days is a reminder of the absolute sacredness of human life," Bp. Zubik said.

He told of a friend's 11-month-old daughter taking her first eight steps - a moment he described as priceless for both the parents and for the child.

"It is important to cherish the value of human life - from the moment of conception through death," he said.

Bp. Zubik and the assembly extended their hands in prayer for those who have been aborted.

Twenty-four hours a day for 40 days and 40 nights pro-lifers will take shifts in an around the clock vigil praying for the end to abortion in the United States. The vigil is modeled after similar ones in Texas at Dallas and Bryan-College Station.

	Related articles: from May 5, 2006 issue: • Peaceful pro-life prayer vigil to start on Tuesday from April 28, 2006 issue: • Forty Days for Life Prayer Vigil planned for Green Bay

"The 40 Days for Life vigil is a prayerful event calling people of faith to the sidewalk outside the abortion clinic to raise awareness about the abortions being performed and to get people involved in defending the lives of the most vulnerable among us," Shawn Carney, director of Outreach Coalition for Life in Texas, said in his reflection at Tuesday's prayer service. "No where is God's love needed more than outside of an abortion clinic."

Carney said the numbers of abortions decreased and abortion clinics closed in Texas after his group held its 40 Days of Life prayer vigil.

"I am privileged to be able to come here and help out with your vigil," Carney said. "Many Texans will be praying for all you all."

The readings were presented by Lori Koschnick, 40 Days for Life event facilitator; Thomas Donovan, diocesan Respect Life coordinator, presented the intercessions.

The solo performance of "The Masterpiece" by Molly Wenhotz, Diocesan Respect Life Advisory Committee Board Member, brought tears to many eyes.

The Knights of Columbus led Bp. Zubik out of the cathedral to the sounds of bagpipes to start the walk to the clinic.

The vigil is endorsed by the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay, Knights of Columbus, Silent No More Awareness Campaign, Pro-life Wisconsin and Wisconsin Right for Life.

To become a part of 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil, or to learn more about it, phone 1-888-LIFE-080 or go to the website, www.40DaysForLifegb.com.