By Angelique Ruhi-Lopez - Florida Catholic
Photographer: ROBERTO AGUIRRE | FC
Maria Wadsworth, from St. Louis Church in Pinecrest, and fellow prolifer Everardo Aguilar pose at a thanksgiving service last April outside A Choice for Women, an abortion facility in Kendall that closed after years of prayerful witness led by local Catholics. The 40 Days for Life Campaign, undertaken each Lent by prolifers of all faiths, hopes to achieve similar results at other South Florida facilities.
MIAMI | This Lenten season, one worldwide campaign is encouraging the 40 days of Lent to be as powerful and life-changing as the 40 days so often depicted in Scripture.
40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that engages local communities and churches in prayer, fasting, vigils and outreach to end abortion. Last year’s campaign saw the successful closure of A Choice for Women clinic in Kendall after years of vigils and prayers at that facility.
The 40-day campaign takes its inspiration from Biblical history, where God used 40-day periods to transform individuals and communities: from Noah in the flood, to Moses on the mountain, to Jesus in preparation for his public ministry, and to the disciples after Christ’s resurrection.
“Lent is the perfect timing for this campaign. What better work of mercy for Lent than to make the time to come to an abortion site to pray for an end of abortion?” said Maria Wadsworth, coordinator of the Miami 40 Days for Life campaign.“Babies’ lives are saved and women are spared great sorrow and regret. I hope and pray many will chose 40 Days for Life as their Lenten works of mercy.”
The 40-day vigil started Ash Wednesday and will continue daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., until Sunday, April 9. Vigils also will take place outside abortion facilities in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale.
“Everyone, young and old are welcomed to come and join us in prayer for as often and for as long as they are able,” said Wadsworth. “Our presence there praying with signs with loving messages makes a big difference for people considering abortion or working at abortion facilities. Testimonies confirm the changed hearts and minds.”
Participants may sign up to pray at a date and time of their choosing by going to www.40daysforlife.com. This year’s locations include:
- A Woman's Center of Hollywood, 3829 Hollywood Boulevard, Unit C, Hollywood. Contact info: Nancy Farner, 786-210-0102, [email protected]
- Eve Medical Center of Kendall, 8603 South Dixie Highway, Kendall 1 Plaza, Suite 102, (vigil across the west entrance to building on 68th Court) Contact: Maria Wadsworth, 305-299-8840, [email protected]
- Fort Lauderdale Women's Center: Parking is available on the east side of the Centro Familiar Cristiano El Buen Pastor, 1981 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Fort Lauderdale. Contact info: Tom Walker, 954-304-3278, [email protected].
