In a recent letter to archdiocese of Baltimore pastors, Cardinal William Keeler, leader of American Catholicism’s founding diocese, urged support for what organizers are calling the first nationwide, curbside effort to invoke “conversion, forgiveness and prayer” for participants, providers and supporters of abortion.
“In ?The Gospel of Life? Pope John Paul II reminded us that ?the life of every individual, from its very beginning, is part of God’s plan,? ” Keeler wrote. “I am writing to ask you to share this truth by promoting and participating in a national, ecumenical effort called ?Forty Days for Life.? ”
Coordinated across 89 cities in 33 states, the curbside and at-home effort ? which supporters say will bring publicity and healing to the violence of abortion in America ? will take place between Sept. 26 and Nov. 4.
In Maryland the push will involve numerous faith communities gathering to pray on public sidewalks outside area abortion facilities. Catonsville?s Hillcrest Clinic and Baltimore’s Planned Parenthood abortion facilities were specifically identified in Keeler?s letter.
“My reaction would be … as long as they don’t come into our building and as long as they are not on our parking lot, they are free to do what they want to do,” said Hillcrest Clinic spokesperson Cheryl Wolf.
“They have a right to picket … [but] I believe the right to an abortion is a choice that should be made by a woman,” Wolf said.
“The number one thing about [the event] is for people to unite in prayer and fasting for an end to abortion,” said Joe Healy, a Catonsville resident and vigil coordinator at that site.
“The second thing is the vigil outside the abortion facilities,” Healy said, noting that his group planned morning-to-evening coverage at Hillcrest, six days a week.
Organized by a coalition of pro-life activists under the 40 Days for Life banner, the campaign is striving for 24-hour, seven-day-a-week public “prayer, fasting, and prayerful witness” over the Biblically significant 40-day period.
“The general focus [of the campaign] really is prayer and fasting,” said Keith Hamilton, a Harford County resident and Baltimore site coordinator.
