All Saints Day
Today the mother who chose Life told us:
I was dreaming last night and I could smell my baby...
... a sweet good smell.
Thank you to all you faithful who have come to pray,
A sidewalk counselor
God bless
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Monday, November 1, 2010
In Her Dreams on the Last Night of the Vigil
November 1st 2010
All Saints Day
Today the mother who chose Life told us:
All Saints Day
Today the mother who chose Life told us:
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Baby Number FOURTEEN!!!
Friday, October 30th (day adopted by Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, Plano)
This great news came from a veteran Catholic Pro-Life Committee sidewalk counselor who was at Southwestern late-term abortion center:
"Turn-away! A young woman drove in by herself Friday morning. She stopped, and I asked if she was going to the abortion center. She indicated she was pregnant but she did not speak much English. I gave her literature and directed her to one of the nearby crisis pregnancy centers. She went as directed. She came out about an hour later smiling. Thank You Jesus!"
Thank you to all of you prayer warriors from Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church for your peaceful prayerful presence! Thank you to our vigilant sidewalk counselor for being out there! (See Wednesday, October 13th blog entry: "Number 9!!!! ... sweet"...same counselor... Reelin' 'em in for the Lord!)
This great news came from a veteran Catholic Pro-Life Committee sidewalk counselor who was at Southwestern late-term abortion center:
"Turn-away! A young woman drove in by herself Friday morning. She stopped, and I asked if she was going to the abortion center. She indicated she was pregnant but she did not speak much English. I gave her literature and directed her to one of the nearby crisis pregnancy centers. She went as directed. She came out about an hour later smiling. Thank You Jesus!"
Sweet!
+ + +
Praise Merciful Almighty God!
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Thursday, October 28, 2010
NUMBER 13!!!!
Tuesday, October 26 2010
Around 7 o'clock in the evening, while parishioners from Good Shepherd Catholic Church were praying at Southwestern late-term abortion center, a woman came up (crying) and asked for help. She is pregnant. She saw the prayer vigil volunteers, read the signs ("Pray to End Abortion" and "Women Do Regret Their Abortion") and decided she needed help, rather than to abort her child. The prayer volunteers told her where both of the nearby crisis pregnancy centers are located. This beautiful mother has places to go for help!
Ok... so the evil one doesn't like mothers to choose life... only wants to destroy God's plans for His creation. So things were (most likely) a little stirred-up. Later that same evening, a man stopped his car in the street, got out and was yelling some.... mmmm.... "pagan blessings" at those praying. (This really doesn't happen very often these days. Prayer brings Peace.) One of the prayer volunteers (without malice or anger) lovingly responded:
Around 7 o'clock in the evening, while parishioners from Good Shepherd Catholic Church were praying at Southwestern late-term abortion center, a woman came up (crying) and asked for help. She is pregnant. She saw the prayer vigil volunteers, read the signs ("Pray to End Abortion" and "Women Do Regret Their Abortion") and decided she needed help, rather than to abort her child. The prayer volunteers told her where both of the nearby crisis pregnancy centers are located. This beautiful mother has places to go for help!
Ok... so the evil one doesn't like mothers to choose life... only wants to destroy God's plans for His creation. So things were (most likely) a little stirred-up. Later that same evening, a man stopped his car in the street, got out and was yelling some.... mmmm.... "pagan blessings" at those praying. (This really doesn't happen very often these days. Prayer brings Peace.) One of the prayer volunteers (without malice or anger) lovingly responded:
"We will be praying for you."
And they did.
+ + +
God's continual mercy and blessings!!
+ + +
God's continual mercy and blessings!!
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Sunday, October 24, 2010
Baby Eleven(!) & Baby Twelve(!)
Tuesday, October 19. Baby Eleven and Baby Twelve
Two friends (one was pregnant) were driving to Southwestern late-term abortion facility and saw prayer volunteers (parishioners from St. Francis Anglican Church and other prayer volunteers) standing outside on the sidewalk and praying the rosary. The friend apparently felt this was a sign that her pregnant friend needed more counseling and returned to request some information. (What a great friend to have!!!)
All of the volunteers kept praying. A sidewalk counselor with the Catholic Pro-Life Committee was present, called a nearby CPC (crisis pregnancy center) and escorted the two women there. En route, the young mother was unsure... still worried and very quiet. After she and her friend entered the counseling center, were met with warmth and love by the women's center counselor, and shown to one of the counseling rooms, the young mother looked up at the sidewalk counselor and with eyes brimming full of tears, sighed in relief, "Thank you."
Sometime later, this mother and her friend drove by and waved to those still praying on the sidewalk. The two women were smiling joyfully.
Kevin McNevins (CPLC volunteer Gabriel Angel with Project Gabriel and St. Francis Parish Pro-Life Coordinator) commented... encouraging all:
Santiago (one of the prayer volunteers who quietly frequents the sidewalk during this 40 Days for Life vigil) then told of a woman who he saw the previous week. She entered the private parking lot of the Southwestern late-term abortion facility, parking her car near the center. He felt strongly in his prayers that she was struggling with whether to go in for an abortion...or not. He stayed put on the sidewalk and kept an eye on her ... praying unceasingly. She was gently "pounding" her head on the steering wheel of her car. He kept praying. She moved her car a little further away from the abortion center. He kept praying. She then moved her car again. He kept praying. This time, she drove her car out of the parking lot ... and left. She did not come back that day. Santiago smiled brightly ... "She decided not to have an abortion."
Two friends (one was pregnant) were driving to Southwestern late-term abortion facility and saw prayer volunteers (parishioners from St. Francis Anglican Church and other prayer volunteers) standing outside on the sidewalk and praying the rosary. The friend apparently felt this was a sign that her pregnant friend needed more counseling and returned to request some information. (What a great friend to have!!!)
All of the volunteers kept praying. A sidewalk counselor with the Catholic Pro-Life Committee was present, called a nearby CPC (crisis pregnancy center) and escorted the two women there. En route, the young mother was unsure... still worried and very quiet. After she and her friend entered the counseling center, were met with warmth and love by the women's center counselor, and shown to one of the counseling rooms, the young mother looked up at the sidewalk counselor and with eyes brimming full of tears, sighed in relief, "Thank you."
Sometime later, this mother and her friend drove by and waved to those still praying on the sidewalk. The two women were smiling joyfully.
Kevin McNevins (CPLC volunteer Gabriel Angel with Project Gabriel and St. Francis Parish Pro-Life Coordinator) commented... encouraging all:
"Please continue in this vigil wherever you are — you never know when your prayers and actions will meet with another opportunity for a choice for Life"
Santiago (one of the prayer volunteers who quietly frequents the sidewalk during this 40 Days for Life vigil) then told of a woman who he saw the previous week. She entered the private parking lot of the Southwestern late-term abortion facility, parking her car near the center. He felt strongly in his prayers that she was struggling with whether to go in for an abortion...or not. He stayed put on the sidewalk and kept an eye on her ... praying unceasingly. She was gently "pounding" her head on the steering wheel of her car. He kept praying. She moved her car a little further away from the abortion center. He kept praying. She then moved her car again. He kept praying. This time, she drove her car out of the parking lot ... and left. She did not come back that day. Santiago smiled brightly ... "She decided not to have an abortion."
God's Merciful Blessings!
+++
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Running the Race
"As for me, my life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to depart. I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come for me now is the crown of uprightness which the Lord, the upright judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his appearing. The first time I had to present my defence, no one came into court to support me. Every one of them deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it. But the Lord stood by me and gave me power, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed for all the gentiles to hear; and so I was saved from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from all evil attempts on me, and bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - 2 Tim 4: 6-18
This reading today at Church reminded me of "running the race" of 40 Days for Life.
We are just one week away from the end of the 40 Days for Life campaign, and at one meeting, our leadership team shared how the Lord was sustaining us and continuing to give us his energy. What was a huge fire -- in anticipation of the start of the campaign & Kickoff Rally -- is now a 'mature,' on-going, simmering fire, if you will, sustained by prayer and the prayers of those who continue to come out to the vigil site and those in personal prayer for our precious unborn and their parents.
In other words, there are still many graces and much peace to experience. And while we ourselves may be bit tired, we lean on those who continue to pray fervently, petitioning Our Lord.
We lean on God, because He is the one who will ensure that we finish the race. We need not depend on ourselves to finish well -- He is running right alongside of us, guiding us to the finish line.
- Who would've ever thought 3,000+ prayer volunteers would come to join us in prayer, from all walks of life in Christ?
- Who would've ever thought so many women would come to know about a post-abortive healing program?
- Who would've ever thought that 12 lives (THUS FAR!) would've been saved?
Just a week away, we pause to marvel at all God has done. We know that it hasn't been us and our grand plans, but He who has worked through us, to change hearts & minds in the City of Dallas and -- no doubt -- beyond.
And the truth be known -- we will never see the full impact of this campaign in Dallas until, God-willing, we are rejoicing with Him in Heaven. We have no idea the hearts & minds that were stirred as they drove by...the people led to another local crisis pregnancy center when they witnessed the prayer presence...the women & families who were getting ready to get in the turn lane to make their morning appointment at the late-term abortion center, and saw the prayer presence, and changed their minds & pulled away! We have yet to discover all that God has done through 40 Days for Life-Dallas, as well as the campaigns throughout the world. But this is the exciting part! What we do know is that God is the foundation of all that has been done and will be done through our prayers and witness.
Be encouraged -- God is moving mightily: he is saving lives, bringing people to repentance, healing post-abortive women & families, and changing hearts & minds all around our nation. Let us rejoice & be glad!
Ask yourself this question: what can you to do to petition & pray for an end to abortion during this last week of 40 Days for Life? Won't you help us cover another hour at the vigil? Or go out in the early morning hours before the abortion center opens? Or bring some friends out to join you in meditation & group prayer? What will you do?
Let us finish this last week well.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
A Special Thanks to Our Late-Night Prayer Warriors
Tuesday, October 19
As we faced the early morning hours today, the open hours with no volunteers was daunting for our ever-vigilant 40 Days for Life-Dallas prayer coordinators. Mike, our night vigil coordinator, was preparing for a long and late night/early morning at Southwestern late-term abortion center to ensure the 24/7 coverage continued without pause. When he arrived at the vigil site at midnight, he was unexpectedly greeted by a large group of volunteers closing the prior day in prayer for the precious unborn.
At 12 a.m., a couple ladies from St Andrew Kim, Dallas joined in prayer for an hour. Two of the gentlemen from St. Luke, Irving who were already there offered to stay until 5 a.m. when the next coverage was scheduled to begin. Mike left at 2 a.m. (to get some well-deserved rest) and told the two faithful gentlemen that their relief would come at 5 a.m. But the coverage did not show up as expected; so these two men stayed through 6 a.m. when Mike returned to continue the vigil. All together, that was 7 hours these men put in for Life! Praise Jesus!!!
The devotion of the pro-life faithful in Dallas never ceases to amaze. Thanks to all of you who have stood up for the unborn since this campaign began, especially those of you who have stood in the quiet, dark moments when the lives lost to abortion are so often forgotten.
May God's grace bless you all and the mothers and children for whom you unceasingly pray.
As we faced the early morning hours today, the open hours with no volunteers was daunting for our ever-vigilant 40 Days for Life-Dallas prayer coordinators. Mike, our night vigil coordinator, was preparing for a long and late night/early morning at Southwestern late-term abortion center to ensure the 24/7 coverage continued without pause. When he arrived at the vigil site at midnight, he was unexpectedly greeted by a large group of volunteers closing the prior day in prayer for the precious unborn.
At 12 a.m., a couple ladies from St Andrew Kim, Dallas joined in prayer for an hour. Two of the gentlemen from St. Luke, Irving who were already there offered to stay until 5 a.m. when the next coverage was scheduled to begin. Mike left at 2 a.m. (to get some well-deserved rest) and told the two faithful gentlemen that their relief would come at 5 a.m. But the coverage did not show up as expected; so these two men stayed through 6 a.m. when Mike returned to continue the vigil. All together, that was 7 hours these men put in for Life! Praise Jesus!!!
The devotion of the pro-life faithful in Dallas never ceases to amaze. Thanks to all of you who have stood up for the unborn since this campaign began, especially those of you who have stood in the quiet, dark moments when the lives lost to abortion are so often forgotten.
May God's grace bless you all and the mothers and children for whom you unceasingly pray.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Prayer is not a spectator sport
More than 20 students from Christ for the Nations School of Spanish spent an afternoon facing the abortuary in deep unwavering prayer. It was a personal experience for each, yet united in a communal effort, as they each recited individual prayers aloud...some with hands raised, others kneeling, others rocking, many with their eyes closed tight...oblivious to everything except the focus of their prayers.
And the prayers continue...
Our prayer vigil coordinator Susan arrived at the vigil site Monday morning, with 15 people already there, including some of the Knights who had been there since 10pm on Sunday as part of their 24 hour commitment to Life! She joined a group praying the Rosary, and in her own words: "I’ve never been a part of a prayer circle quite like that. It was decade after decade after decade, people joined the group, others rested for awhile, but the Rosary kept on, like we were battering that building with prayer. I stopped for a break after a couple of hours, and the pray-ers went on."
 |
| The 24 hour prayer crew AKA the Fab Four of 40 Days |
Susan spoke to a couple who had been outside the abortion center on Saturday. They had seen the two young women who were pregnant outside the abortion center. One of the sidewalk counselors told them to, “Keep praying. You have to keep praying!” So they did! And the two women left! This couple was so excited about what they had seen and what God had done!
And the blessings kept coming...two priests, Fr. Joseph (just returning in from out of town) and Fr. Dankasa were headed to a retreat but stopped to pray at the vigil on the way. Three women expressed their interest in becoming sidewalk counselors. In all, seventy-three people had signed up to pray!...and more seemed to keep coming...there were always at least 10 people on the sidewalk during the near six hours Susan was there...sometimes around 20.
No doubt, our Mother of Mercy, heard all these "sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears," and will take up these beautiful prayers to her Son, Our Lord Jesus, to convert hearts and save lives.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
NUMBER 10!!!!
Wednesday, October 13th
Day adopted by St. Edward Community Pro-Life Committee and others joined them to pray outside Southwestern late-term abortion facility.
This most exciting report comes from another long-time sidewalk counselor:
Yesterday at Southwestern late-term abortion facility we had a turnaway! A couple went into Southwestern and about 35 minutes later came out and said that they were keeping the baby!
Also a lovely young women was praying the Rosary. When she was leaving, I thanked her for praying and she said, "My eyes have been opened."
She explained that she met Jessie Anne Nobles (a Project Gabriel Angel) who told her about the CPLC (Catholic Pro-Life Committee) and gave her the website. There she found a link to Priests for Life (Fr. Pavone) and learned many truths about abortion. Her eyes were opened.
This young woman is now interested in taking the CPLC Sidewalk Counseling Training at the end of the month!
It is so remarkable how "little seeds" are planted... producing such an abundance of beautiful fruit!
Day adopted by St. Edward Community Pro-Life Committee and others joined them to pray outside Southwestern late-term abortion facility.
This most exciting report comes from another long-time sidewalk counselor:
Yesterday at Southwestern late-term abortion facility we had a turnaway! A couple went into Southwestern and about 35 minutes later came out and said that they were keeping the baby!
Also a lovely young women was praying the Rosary. When she was leaving, I thanked her for praying and she said, "My eyes have been opened."
She explained that she met Jessie Anne Nobles (a Project Gabriel Angel) who told her about the CPLC (Catholic Pro-Life Committee) and gave her the website. There she found a link to Priests for Life (Fr. Pavone) and learned many truths about abortion. Her eyes were opened.
This young woman is now interested in taking the CPLC Sidewalk Counseling Training at the end of the month!
It is so remarkable how "little seeds" are planted... producing such an abundance of beautiful fruit!
+ + +
Praise Almighty Holy God for beautiful new life !!!
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010
NUMBER 9!!!! ... sweet
Tuesday, October 12th
This comes from a "veteran" CPLC sidewalk counselor:
Two women (mother and daughter) were driving to Southwestern late-term abortion center. They stopped for help. I gave them the literature, and directed them to one of the nearby crisis pregnancy centers. They were happy to do so. They drove out about an hour later, stopped and thanked me. If I had not been there they would have gone to Southwestern abortion facility. God was listening to the prayers of all who are praying for the end of abortion. God orchestrated the turn-away. All I did was help a little.
Editors note: I have been outside abortion centers when this steadfast long-time sidewalk counselor will often call out to those going in for abortion: "Come talk to me!" One thing I always think about when I hear him call: "Come talk to me", is something about how Jesus must be calling us: "Come talk to Me!" ... how Jesus must be calling us to prayer... to open our hearts... to tell Him... talk to Him... how much Jesus wants us to come talk to Him... and to trust Him.
Another thing this counselor says after someone chooses life is: "sweet." He gives a little smile, a little nod and just says "sweet"... turns and goes back to work.
And it is...Sweet Victory.
This comes from a "veteran" CPLC sidewalk counselor:
Two women (mother and daughter) were driving to Southwestern late-term abortion center. They stopped for help. I gave them the literature, and directed them to one of the nearby crisis pregnancy centers. They were happy to do so. They drove out about an hour later, stopped and thanked me. If I had not been there they would have gone to Southwestern abortion facility. God was listening to the prayers of all who are praying for the end of abortion. God orchestrated the turn-away. All I did was help a little.
Editors note: I have been outside abortion centers when this steadfast long-time sidewalk counselor will often call out to those going in for abortion: "Come talk to me!" One thing I always think about when I hear him call: "Come talk to me", is something about how Jesus must be calling us: "Come talk to Me!" ... how Jesus must be calling us to prayer... to open our hearts... to tell Him... talk to Him... how much Jesus wants us to come talk to Him... and to trust Him.
Another thing this counselor says after someone chooses life is: "sweet." He gives a little smile, a little nod and just says "sweet"... turns and goes back to work.
And it is...Sweet Victory.
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| Balloons at the Midway Rally representing the 7 (now 9) Saves at the vigil site |
Glory and honor to God!
+ + +
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Tuesday, October 12, 2010
He's a Boy!!!
We received several emails each day of wonderful happenings out on the sidewalk ... here are just a few to lighten your heart...
Tuesday, October 12th
Lauren (40 Days for Life-Dallas co-coordinator) writes: “I went out and prayed this morning with Pastor Wayne Mitchell of the North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship Church (6:00-8:00 a.m.)... I wanted to be there to thank him for coming out, encourage his presence and pray w/ him. But I was the one who was lifted up!!!! :). I felt like I was covered in a strong veil of prayer as I left around 8am! :) He got to meet members of Birth Choice and 2 SWCs [sidewalk counselors] this morning, too!!!! :) He kept saying he knew it was God's Will for him to be there this morning...AMEN!!! :)
Later this same day, in the evening, Fr. Peter Geromel (Anglican) came with a couple of parishioners and they prayed all of the decades of the Rosary. He was on his knees… didn’t budge. (Whew!!!) Those knees must be made of iron or something.
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Friday, October 8th
Father Jason Cargo lead prayers with St. Monica Catholic Church, Dallas during their adopted day.
We sure are seeing a whole lot of priests and pastors stepping out on the sidewalk to pray during 40 Days for Life vigil this year! What a blessing!
We sure are seeing a whole lot of priests and pastors stepping out on the sidewalk to pray during 40 Days for Life vigil this year! What a blessing!
+++
Thursday, October 7th [This entry was posted “in real time” with prayer requests, and has since been updated.]
A couple stopped en route to Southwestern late-term abortion center. The mother-in-law of one of the 40 Days for Life-Dallas campaign coordinators counseled/ talked with them. By God’s Grace there were also Spanish speaking prayer volunteers from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Dallas, to translate! The couple agreed they needed help and were directed to one of the near-by crisis pregnancy centers. [Prayer requests were sent via text message/email …many prayers outside the vigil joined those who were praying on site.]
And…
The couple chose LIFE!!!
And…
It's a BOY!!!!!!!
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Thursday, October 7th
Patty, CPLC Director of Ministries, writes about a most “precious” heart warming sight during one evening at the prayer vigil: "An 'elderly couple' (he was quite frail, too) sat side by side one night in folding chairs they brought themselves. They were whispering the rosary to one another. Just the three of us were there. I didn't even introduce myself or even say hi. I'm sure they wouldn't have been interested..."
+++
God bless!
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A visit from "Our Lady" of South Bend, Indiana
Fr. Bill Miscamble, a Holy Cross Father currently on the faculty at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, was by our good fortune (and no doubt the Holy Spirit's intervention) traveling through Dallas to give two talks to the local Notre Dame Club. During his brief stay in our fair city, he made time to pray at 40 Days for Life-Dallas vigil site!!
This isn't the first time Fr. Miscamble has stood up for Life though. He is one of the faithful clergy who STOOD STRONG with the “ND Response” Seniors who stood up for Life and peacefully protested by boycotting President Obama’s commencement address and reception of the Honorary Degree at Notre Dame last year. Fr. Miscamble went toe-to-toe with Fr. John Jenkins, President of Notre Dame and fellow Holy Cross Father, about this very issue. He also delivered the articulate and passionate keynote address at the “alternate commencement ceremony” for the students who boycotted their own graduation because of the scandal. Bishop D’Arcy, who also boldly and courageously boycotted the ceremony, standing strong for life and truth, Fr. Corapi, and Fr. Pavone were all with the students and Fr. Miscamble. Bishop D’Arcy said later on TV that the students of ND Response “saved the soul of the University of Notre Dame.”
Thank you, Lord, for this immeasurable blessing!!! And please continue to bless and sustain Fr. Miscamble as he stands up for Truth and Life at the University of Notre Dame!!!
**In addition to Fr. Miscamble, we have been blessed by the presence of many of our clergy from the Diocese of Dallas...on the sidewalk, at 40 Days for Life rallies, and at Masses in honor of the unborn. Thank you to our bishops, priests, deacons and sisters who continue to STAND STRONG for the innocent unborn.**
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Shepherds and their flocks...
Saturday, 9th October 2010
If we could see prayers, as if they were little bubbles or little iridescent orbs carried
by angels, thousands and thousands would have been seen... lifting moving, floating, covering, filling the neighborhood this past Saturday. Bishops...pastors...youth...all ages...many cultures...many prayers
There were early morning prayer warriors already at Southwestern late-term abortion center, standing on the sidewalk...peacefully praying. Of those were: Young Serrans of Dallas, Immaculate Conception Church (Grand Prairie), Nuestra Senora del Pilar (Dallas), Couples for Christ -- Foundation for Family & Life... and others.
Up the street on Walnut Hill Lane at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Auxiliary Bishop Doug Deshotel celebrated Mass at 8 o'clock with special intentions for the end of abortion (quarterly Respect Life Mass/Adoration/Rosary Procession). As Mass concluded, Father Josef Vollmer-Konig led the rosary procession out of the church. Two buses filled. Continual rosary prayed all the way to Southwestern late-term abortion center, while others remained in the church for Eucharistic Adoration until the procession later returned.
A "Jericho Walk" commenced, circling the entire neighborhood. (For those who have never heard of a "Jericho Walk", this is a special prayer pilgrimage which surrounds an area as Joshua did...praying that God will cause spiritual strongholds to come down.) The buses arrived at Southwestern late-term abortion facility sidewalk, unloaded and joined the 40 Days for Life-Dallas prayer vigil.
The sidewalk was filled with a hundred or so (hard to tell how many...it felt like thousands of people), as Fr. Josef continued to lead the rosary. Responses were in Spanish and English. More songs and prayers filled the air. When it came time for the buses to return, prayers continued, traffic was stopped and participants (still praying) filled the buses again. The uninterrupted prayers continued as buses completed the "Jericho" circle around the neighborhood back to St. Patrick's. Prayers continued as everyone followed Fr. Josef back into St. Patrick's church, joining those in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Benediction began.
It was also 40 Days for Life-Dallas Youth Day. Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, more prayer volunteers joined the sidewalk outside Southwestern late-term abortion center. Over three hundred youth from Immaculate Conception in Grand Prairie lined the entrance to the Southwestern office park on Royal, covering the abortion center in their prayers. A bell choir sent ringing prayers floating through the air. Rosaries and songs in Vietnamese...Korean...English...Spanish...filled the air. Standing at the far end of the prayer line, a handful of young adults from St. Francis Anglican Church kept prayerful watchful eyes (some with tears) particularly on two women who came out of the abortion center. These two women (both pregnant) were intensely talking in the parking lot...for some time.
While all of that was happening, set-up was beginning for the 40 Days "Midway Rally" in Harry S. Moss Park across the street from the Southwestern abortion facility. Dallas Auxiliary Bishop Mark Seitz, Pastor Wayne Mitchell (North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship), Father Douglas Zavala (Immaculate Conception, Grand Prairie) and Carmen Pate (40 Days for Life "international") were present to speak, give heartfelt testimony, and to pray. (More details and pictures from the rally to come.)
Bishop Seitz and Fr. Douglas joined the sidewalk prayer vigil, coming from the Midway Rally across the street. Prayers continued. Bishop Seitz walked through the prayer lines, like a shepherd through his flock. Prayers did not cease in order to greet the good bishop and he seemed happy...joyful about that. His flock was doing what they were supposed to be doing(!)...praying for the lives of the innocent victims in this facility....praying for Life...praying for conversions of hearts and souls. I don't know if anyone noticed this, but Bishop Seitz gave all those present his blessings before he left...with added prayers for all those inside the abortion center.
And what about the two pregnant women (during all this time)...the two pregnant women who were standing outside the abortion center intensely talking? They left. They did not go back inside the abortion center.
They left.
by angels, thousands and thousands would have been seen... lifting moving, floating, covering, filling the neighborhood this past Saturday. Bishops...pastors...youth...all ages...many cultures...many prayers
There were early morning prayer warriors already at Southwestern late-term abortion center, standing on the sidewalk...peacefully praying. Of those were: Young Serrans of Dallas, Immaculate Conception Church (Grand Prairie), Nuestra Senora del Pilar (Dallas), Couples for Christ -- Foundation for Family & Life... and others.
Up the street on Walnut Hill Lane at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Auxiliary Bishop Doug Deshotel celebrated Mass at 8 o'clock with special intentions for the end of abortion (quarterly Respect Life Mass/Adoration/Rosary Procession). As Mass concluded, Father Josef Vollmer-Konig led the rosary procession out of the church. Two buses filled. Continual rosary prayed all the way to Southwestern late-term abortion center, while others remained in the church for Eucharistic Adoration until the procession later returned.
A "Jericho Walk" commenced, circling the entire neighborhood. (For those who have never heard of a "Jericho Walk", this is a special prayer pilgrimage which surrounds an area as Joshua did...praying that God will cause spiritual strongholds to come down.) The buses arrived at Southwestern late-term abortion facility sidewalk, unloaded and joined the 40 Days for Life-Dallas prayer vigil. The sidewalk was filled with a hundred or so (hard to tell how many...it felt like thousands of people), as Fr. Josef continued to lead the rosary. Responses were in Spanish and English. More songs and prayers filled the air. When it came time for the buses to return, prayers continued, traffic was stopped and participants (still praying) filled the buses again. The uninterrupted prayers continued as buses completed the "Jericho" circle around the neighborhood back to St. Patrick's. Prayers continued as everyone followed Fr. Josef back into St. Patrick's church, joining those in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Benediction began.
It was also 40 Days for Life-Dallas Youth Day. Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, more prayer volunteers joined the sidewalk outside Southwestern late-term abortion center. Over three hundred youth from Immaculate Conception in Grand Prairie lined the entrance to the Southwestern office park on Royal, covering the abortion center in their prayers. A bell choir sent ringing prayers floating through the air. Rosaries and songs in Vietnamese...Korean...English...Spanish...filled the air. Standing at the far end of the prayer line, a handful of young adults from St. Francis Anglican Church kept prayerful watchful eyes (some with tears) particularly on two women who came out of the abortion center. These two women (both pregnant) were intensely talking in the parking lot...for some time. While all of that was happening, set-up was beginning for the 40 Days "Midway Rally" in Harry S. Moss Park across the street from the Southwestern abortion facility. Dallas Auxiliary Bishop Mark Seitz, Pastor Wayne Mitchell (North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship), Father Douglas Zavala (Immaculate Conception, Grand Prairie) and Carmen Pate (40 Days for Life "international") were present to speak, give heartfelt testimony, and to pray. (More details and pictures from the rally to come.)
Bishop Seitz and Fr. Douglas joined the sidewalk prayer vigil, coming from the Midway Rally across the street. Prayers continued. Bishop Seitz walked through the prayer lines, like a shepherd through his flock. Prayers did not cease in order to greet the good bishop and he seemed happy...joyful about that. His flock was doing what they were supposed to be doing(!)...praying for the lives of the innocent victims in this facility....praying for Life...praying for conversions of hearts and souls. I don't know if anyone noticed this, but Bishop Seitz gave all those present his blessings before he left...with added prayers for all those inside the abortion center.
And what about the two pregnant women (during all this time)...the two pregnant women who were standing outside the abortion center intensely talking? They left. They did not go back inside the abortion center.
They left.
Praise and Glory be to Almighty Holy Merciful God,
to Jesus Christ His only begotten Son and to
the Holy Spirit... Three in One!!!
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Thursday, October 7, 2010
A Sea of Prayers
FIRST... DON'T FORGET...
40 Days for Life-Dallas
Midway Rally and Youth Day
Midway Rally and Youth Day
Saturday, October 9th
Southwestern late-term abortion center
8616 Greenville Ave. at Royal Ln. (NE corner)
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Here are some amazing prayer reports from the sidewalk...
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September 28th, Tuesday. One of the planning team reported that as she was walking across the street to the vigil site to pray, a woman joined her and took her arm and said: "I have to do this. My daughter and her husband have been trying to have a baby for years. She calls me crying and says 'Mama, I want a baby so bad and they are throwing their babies away. How can they do that?' "
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September 29th Wednesday. Fr. Alfonse Nazzaro prayed for an hour or so outside the abortion clinic. What a blessing Fr. Alfonse's presence was! Thank you! "There is power in having our clergy present at the modern-day Calvary - the abortion center." - CPLC
Rev. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, shared a revealing story: "I will never forget the comment of Joy Davis, who once administered six abortion facilities," he said. "She told me that when pro-life people prayed at them, business was slow, women changed their minds and even the staff wavered ...To sum it up, she said, 'It was a bad day.' But when there was a priest or bishop present,' Joy told me, 'the abortion staff knew that 'It would be a very bad day.'"
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October 2nd, Saturday. Christ for the Nations came to pray. They are about missions... world missions. What is more needed than missionaries praying at abortion clinics like this late-term abortion facility?! They prayed & sang, lifted hands towards Heaven, and asked God to work among them in saving lives...and asked Him to bring more miracles to Dallas. Their voices of praise were so moving, that we got chills just listening to them! Praise God for their mighty witness!
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October 4th, Monday. Reg Platt was out praying and met a man from St. Ann's Church in Hartford, Connecticut! The gentleman was in town for business reasons, googled to find the closest 40 Days for Life vigil site and came to pray for an hour!
(Anyone else have travel plans? There is usually sidewalk prayer presence all year round in many locations! Check with local pro-life groups!)
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October 6th, Wednesday. One of the sidewalk counselors, who was at the clinic (8 a.m. - 1 p.m.) reports that Fr. Loyd Morris (retired) came and prayed all the mysteries of the Rosary. THANK YOU, Fr. Morris, for your powerful prayer presence and witness. Some of the Muzyka family were also out together to pray... on their knees... facing the clinic. Then later, around noontime, about 25-30 young men & women from St. Faustina Academy (http://www.faustinaacademy.com) joined, stretched out in a long line, facing the mill and prayed the rosary...each taking turns leading the prayers. They too, fell to their knees. The sidewalk counselor said seeing all those teens on their knees... it felt like being in "a Sea of Prayers!"
And it was.
God's Mercy and Blessings
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Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Green Pen Saves Life... and a Blue Pen is on its way!
Ok. The Green Pen story got inadvertently deleted. The point of the story was that God is in the details... right down to the pens on the conference table at the 40 Days for Life planning meetings. When He tells us to bring everything to Him... He means it. And proving that... saved a life with a pen.
The sort-of-short rewrite version of The green pen story:
One of the counselors at Birth Choice (a CPC...crisis pregnancy center) exclaimed that a couple had found Birth Choice from one of their "GREEN PENS" (not a whole lot of those floating around, folks), and when asked how they got the pen, the counselor said: "I don't know!!"
(Backing up...a week or so before.) The director of Birth Choice put green pens on the conference table for the 40 Days for Life-Dallas planning meeting. Birth Choice has graciously offered their conference room prior to and during 40 Days for Life. (Thank you Birth Choice!) It is located near Southwestern late-term abortion center -- the vigil site for 40 Days for Life-Dallas. Susan (the vigil coordinator)pocketed picked up one of the pens and put it in her purse...through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. :)
Susan had a meeting some days/weeks later...elsewhere...a personal appointment which happened to be close to another abortion center (not Southwestern). She noticed a very distraught couple going in that direction, knew where they were heading...towards the abortion center.
She prayed, "Blessed Mother, I don't have anything [literature or CPC info] to give to them. Please help me!" She remembered the green Birth Choice pen that she hadpocketed put in her purse. Their paths crossed and Susan gave them the green pen. "Go to these people. They are good people. They will help you."
The couple GPS'd the address on the pen... and off they went. They are now happily preparing for the birth of their child. (Praise God! Thank you, Susan for your faith and love!)
(By the way, this happened BEFORE 40 Days for Life even started. So perhaps Dallas should get credit for the "1st Save" (?)... from a planning meeting no less. Actually, God gets all the credit... all details were put before Him in the planning meeting. No one imagined a little green pen would end up being one of the BIG details that He would use.)
The blue pen story. As a result of the "intercession" of the green pen, blue CPLC (Catholic Pro-Life Committee) pens were put in the vigil box. One of the men keeping evening vigil, praying outside the Southwestern late-term abortion center, told us a woman stopped by and asked why he was against abortion. The details of that conversation aside, she revealed to him that she thought she "might be" pregnant. He knew White Rose (another CPC...also "good people") was nearby and pointed it out to her. As he was looking through the vigil box (again for literature or CPC info), he found a blue CPLC pen, and gave the pen to her so she could call and get any information/ referral / help that she needed. We have a funny feeling that a blue pen may just show up at White Rose or Birth Choice. :)
Thank you, God, for Your Presence and Help in times of trouble... Thank You, Holy Almighty God!
The sort-of-short rewrite version of The green pen story:
One of the counselors at Birth Choice (a CPC...crisis pregnancy center) exclaimed that a couple had found Birth Choice from one of their "GREEN PENS" (not a whole lot of those floating around, folks), and when asked how they got the pen, the counselor said: "I don't know!!"
(Backing up...a week or so before.) The director of Birth Choice put green pens on the conference table for the 40 Days for Life-Dallas planning meeting. Birth Choice has graciously offered their conference room prior to and during 40 Days for Life. (Thank you Birth Choice!) It is located near Southwestern late-term abortion center -- the vigil site for 40 Days for Life-Dallas. Susan (the vigil coordinator)
Susan had a meeting some days/weeks later...elsewhere...a personal appointment which happened to be close to another abortion center (not Southwestern). She noticed a very distraught couple going in that direction, knew where they were heading...towards the abortion center.
She prayed, "Blessed Mother, I don't have anything [literature or CPC info] to give to them. Please help me!" She remembered the green Birth Choice pen that she had
The couple GPS'd the address on the pen... and off they went. They are now happily preparing for the birth of their child. (Praise God! Thank you, Susan for your faith and love!)
(By the way, this happened BEFORE 40 Days for Life even started. So perhaps Dallas should get credit for the "1st Save" (?)... from a planning meeting no less. Actually, God gets all the credit... all details were put before Him in the planning meeting. No one imagined a little green pen would end up being one of the BIG details that He would use.)
The blue pen story. As a result of the "intercession" of the green pen, blue CPLC (Catholic Pro-Life Committee) pens were put in the vigil box. One of the men keeping evening vigil, praying outside the Southwestern late-term abortion center, told us a woman stopped by and asked why he was against abortion. The details of that conversation aside, she revealed to him that she thought she "might be" pregnant. He knew White Rose (another CPC...also "good people") was nearby and pointed it out to her. As he was looking through the vigil box (again for literature or CPC info), he found a blue CPLC pen, and gave the pen to her so she could call and get any information/ referral / help that she needed. We have a funny feeling that a blue pen may just show up at White Rose or Birth Choice. :)
Thank you, God, for Your Presence and Help in times of trouble... Thank You, Holy Almighty God!
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Birth Choice Counseling Center for Women - Dallas, Texas www.birthchoicedallas.org
White Rose Women's Center - Dallas, Texas www.whiterosewomenscenter.org
Catholic Pro-Life Committee of North Texas www.prolifedallas.org
Monday, October 4, 2010
Miracles on the Sidewalk
Another day of the 40 Days for Life campaign is about over. The valiant men who have been keeping night duty are beginning the night watch. And I am reflecting on the beautiful "sidewalk miracles" we witness all the time...
Sacrifice. A woman on a ventilator who recently had heart surgery came out to pray a couple of times. (How did she do that?!) A Jesuit high school student thought it worthy to spend 2 hours praying the rosary after school. (Will he be going to seminary after graduation? He won't be the first seminarian from this sidewalk prayer vigil!) A mother introduced her daughter, saying "they told me she didn't have a brain...they had tried [to convince me] to do a partial birth abortion on her." The daughter is well (Praise God!!!) and eager to come out and pray for those going into the abortion center. Another mother told us of her diagnosis of cancer while pregnant...also advised to abort. She refused the abortion. She was taken to court (by her doctor!). As she told this, tears swelled in her eyes, "my son is now 7. He is perfectly healthy...." These are the incredible servants we meet everyday.
Unity. So many of the faithful from different "walks in Christ" are coming to the sidewalk. Many expressing they felt "a call" to be involved. The first day of the campaign, for instance, side by side, were the faithful from the Cathedral Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (the Catholic Cathedral downtown), Baruch HaShem (the Messianic Jewish congregation in North Dallas), Fellowship Bible Church Dallas, and many others. Many different walks in Christ...all united in prayer.
Healing. A prayer volunteer (first time to come) was handed a 40 Days for Life flyer from the secretary at her Church. She recently asked God to heal her heart (as she has been suffering from a past abortion). While this beautiful soul was praying with other Christians, she was given the opportunity by God to witness to a young man who had taken his girlfriend inside the late-term abortion center.
Along with supportive words from a couple of the sidewalk counselors --the testimony of this woman was so powerful, that the young man went back to into the abortion center, intent on saving his girlfriend and the baby from this place of death. (Though they didn't come back to talk to us, the couple did leave the abortion center.) Mercy and Grace flowed out from our Precious Lord Jesus Christ into a beautiful repentant heart and through her tears, her prayers and her witness…flowed out to many.
"God will take our mess and make it our message," she said.
These are a few of the “sidewalk miracles” we have witnessed and heard about during the first half of the campaign. God is doing mighty mighty things in the midst of these 40 days.
Keep coming. Keep praying. BE…one of the many miracles of Life.
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