World News
North Dakota bishop asks priests to pray in front of abortion clinic
Published: September 9, 2010
FARGO, N.D. (CNS) -- Bishop Samuel J. Aquila of Fargo has asked all priests of his diocese to spend at least one hour in prayer before the state's only abortion facility and to join him in a procession to the facility Sept. 26. "I know what a busy time this is for you in the parishes, yet I ask that you schedule one more very important thing on your calendar: your hour of prayer outside the abortion facility," Bishop Aquila wrote in an Aug. 27 letter to priests about the 40 Days for Life North Dakota campaign. The campaign is scheduled to run from Sept. 22 to Oct. 31, with people praying in shifts of one hour or more on the sidewalk outside the Red River Women's Clinic in Fargo. Bishop Aquila said he would lead the diocese's annual Walk with Christ for Life procession to the abortion facility Sept. 26 and would spend an hour in personal prayer outside the facility Oct. 28. Rachelle Sauvageau, director of the diocese's Respect Life Office, said that at least 30 unborn babies have been reportedly saved from abortion in North Dakota during the 40 Days for Life campaigns in 2007, 2008 and 2009. "Because most mothers who had considered abortion but then decided against it do not report their decision, the number of babies alive today as a result of the prayer, fasting and peaceful vigil of volunteers in North Dakota is actually much higher," she added. "This faithful witness to the dignity of all human life truly is changing hearts and saving lives."
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