Since living in the Greater Philadelphia for more than two years, Dr. Monique Ruberu knew that 40 days was needed because over 14,098 babies are killed in Philadelphia every year and “much had to be done for the moms and their babies”. When she learned about 40 Days for Life and its powerful impact on the community, she wanted to bring it to the largest Planned Parenthood in the state, located in the heart of the city. Philadelphia started their first campaign two years ago outside of the largest Planned Parenthood in the heart of the city.
40 Days for Life, founded by David Bereit in 2007, has grown
to all fifty states along with several other countries. The 40 Days initiative
consists of fasting, peaceful praying, and counseling in front of an abortion
facility for 40 days straight. The campaigns are held twice a year during the
Lenten season from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday and six weeks prior to the
general election.
This year the 40 Days ministry inaugurated its first United
Bus Tour. The goal of the bus tour was to visit every city that is hosting a
prayer vigil, which is held in every state. On Tuesday October 4th
the bus made a stop in Philadelphia for a public rally where 100 pro-lifers had
the chance to write a message, learn about the bus tour, and hears great
testimonies from its founder David Bereit and other speakers.
“You are a part of the most critical episode in America’s
history” Bereit remarked. During his speech he reminds everyone to stay vigilant
and persevere for the defense of life.
He found it fitting that the United Bus Tour made a stop in
Philadelphia because “our founding fathers knew 240 years ago that Americans
first inalienable right was the right to life”.
Along with Bereit was Steve Karlen, the campaign director of
the 40 Days for Life organization. He shared with those gathered that during
their stop in Warminster a mom who is carrying twins decided to choose life.
When he shared the news, the crowd cheered. Bereit shared a story about how he
wanted to meet someone who walked out from her abortion appointment. While
attending a pro-life banquet in Harrisburg, he met a young mom who changed her
mind and chose life for her son, Micah.
“Your presence speaks volume, whether it is just one or two
people outside of Planned Parenthood.” Karlen encouraged.
Karlen went on to remind everyone that the pro life and
adoption message go hand to hand because “It unlocks the potential of every
unborn baby.”
Karlen acknowledges the fact that during this pivotal
election our nation “is at a crossroad and a majority of Americans know we’re
heading into the wrong direction”. He went on to encourage the participants to
break out of their comfort zone and help up with 40 Days.
The event has attracted Martyna and Kyle Werder, newlyweds
from St. John Canitus Parish in Bridesburg.
“I was amazed at the great testimonies heard during the
rally” Martyna recalled. While comparing the abortion fight in America with
that of her native country Poland, she said that all countries must be “willing
to take up the gauntlet to defend the most vulnerable of our society.”
Nikolai Brelinsky, a seminarian at St. Charles Borremeo, was
one of the many attendees that was inspired by the message of 40 days.
“We are called to action” Nikolai remarked. Pro-Lifers have
to do their best to “stand against the abortion industry while they exploit
women for profit.”
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