40 Days For Life founder to speak in Alaska

CatholicAnchor.org
One of the leading voices in the modern version of the pro-life movement will be in Alaska next month to speak at two banquets held by Alaska Right to Life.

Co-founder of the international 40 Days for Life prayer vigils, Shawn Carney, will deliver the keynote address at two gatherings, one on Thursday, Oct. 2, and another on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Since its launch in the early 2000s, 40 Days for Life reports that thousands of unborn lives have been saved during their annual vigils. Additionally, nearly 100 abortion clinics have closed and abortion clinic employees and doctors have converted to the pro-life cause.

The most effective aspect of the initiative is that it allows women “to choose life at the last moment,” Carney said in an interview with Zenit News Agency. “Many of the women have said they woke up the morning of the appointment and prayed for God to give them a sign not to have an abortion, and the prayer volunteers were that sign.”

The peaceful vigils take place twice a year, in the spring and the fall. Carney told Zenit that the success of the efforts has benefited from the strong support from many Catholic priests and bishops around the world.

Among these men is Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz, who has lead prayers at several 40 Days for Life vigils in Anchorage.

In Alaska Carney will speak about saving unborn lives and influencing the culture to protect and defend every innocent human life.

The Oct. 2 event takes place at City Church in Anchorage. The Oct. 4 event is at Farm Loop Christian Center in Palmer.

For both events, doors open at 6:30 p.m.. Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the program will follow. The events are underwritten so there is no charge to attend. The banquets, however, are fundraisers for Alaska Right to Life and financial appeals will be made.

To register for one or both events, call 276-1912 or go online to alaskarighttolife.org.