Pastor Jeff Solwold opened the event with prayer, song, and reflection on the past 40 days. Jeff Zeegers added his personally testimony of losing his precious children to the choice of abortion. Bishop Robert Morlino then addressed the crowd and began a series of meditations on the life of Jesus Christ, from His conception to His childhood. Pastor Solwold closed the evening with a final hymn.
The prayer service marked the conclusion of 40 straight days of around-the-clock presence outside of Planned Parenthood. Nearly 2,000 one-hour time shifts were filled by faithful participants as a minimum of two people stood watch at all times. And it was not uncommon for a small crowd to spontaneously gather in prayer at the vigil site.
But even after nearly six weeks outside the abortion facility, the faithful were in no hurry to disperse. Prayer continued nearly an hour after the service was scheduled to end.
By all accounts, this fall’s vigil was an unmitigated success. Across the country, at least 441 babies were saved. Here in
Leading up to 40 Days for Life, Planned Parenthood broke out its old, tired playbook, accusing us of aggression and intimidation. But their deceit was exposed when—once again—our presence remained peaceful. In fact, the aggression was entirely on the side of the pro-abortion side, whose insults grew angrier and more vulgar as the days went by.
Forty Days for Life Madison 2008 officially marked its end this morning, November 8, with a victory rally at St. Peter’s Church on
Video recaps 40 Days for Life Madison: http://www.memorylanevideo.com/gallery/40.html
National 40 Days for Life Coordinator David Bereit’s Concluding Message: http://www.40daysforlife.com/blog/audio/conclusion_24.mp3