With an amendment to the State Constitution threating to radically expand abortion in Florida, the 40 Days for Life Fall Campaign kicked off on Sept. 24, 2024, with a renewed sense of urgency for all pro-lifers.
The Mercy of God can provide healing for many, and by acting as His messenger, through participation in one of three active 40 Days for Life prayer campaigns within the Diocese of Venice, one can reflect that mercy onto the world.
The 40 Days for Life campaign runs through Nov. 3 and seeks a peaceful end to abortion in the U.S. and around the world through the power of prayer. It is the presence of more than one million prayer warriors in hundreds of cities worldwide – including Fort Myers, Naples, and Sarasota within the Diocese of Venice – that will make a difference in this important battle to save the unborn.
To help jumpstart the fall campaign in Fort Myers, a traditional opening vigil took place Sept. 24 in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion center at 6418 Commerce Park Drive. Led by coordinators Rick and Paula Hellenbrand of St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral, the vigil included Father Fritz Ligonde, Parochial Vicar at St. Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers, and speakers who covered the whole spectrum of the pro-life movement, including a mom who once had an abortion.
“I know what the moms feel like when they come to Planned Parenthood: lied to; betrayed; and they abandoned to have a lifetime of regret,” said Dorina Hayes, a Catholic wife and mother raising her family in Orlando who had multiple abortions before her future husband, who is pro-life, said he wanted her to keep their unborn child. She is part of Silent No More, a group of women who have had an abortion and speak publicly, sharing their story of regret and spreading the word how they learned too late about the sanctity of all life, especially the unborn.
“I still feel the pain and regret to this day,” said Hayes, a mother of seven and grandmother of two. “But I am blessed because I found the right man, who stopped me from aborting my baby girl. She is a mother of her own now and I can’t help but think of what the babies I lost would be like today. I can be silent no more.”
Rob Reynolds, a pro-life activist, spoke on the proposed Amendment 4, which would essentially allow abortions, for any reason, until birth, a radical change from the current law which is a 6-week ban on abortions with some exceptions. He encouraged people to put lawn signs opposing the amendment in front of their homes and businesses as well as to volunteer to stand outside early voting sites to hold up signs to Vote No on 4!
“I held up a sign during the primary, when it wasn’t on the ballot, and people spoke to me, wanting to know more,” Reynolds said. “People misunderstand what the amendment is trying to do. They don’t know that this amendment would end the parental consent requirement; eliminate the 24-hour waiting period and much more. It is dangerous and we must do all we can to get all of our friends and neighbors to Vote No on 4!”
It was announced at the Fort Myers kick-off that there will be a mid-point rally at 6 p.m., Oct. 17, with guest speaker Dr. Haywood Robinson, a former abortionist turned pro-life Director of Medical Affairs and Education for the national 40 Days for Life movement.
The 40 Days for Life vigil takes place in hundreds of locations nationwide as the faithful stand in prayer, in the public right of way, outside of abortion facilities seeking an end to abortion in the U.S. and the world. At the direction of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, the Diocese of Venice was one of the first Dioceses in the country to participate in 40 Days for Life campaign in 2007.
The fall campaign encompasses October, which is National Respect Life Month, and includes Respect Life Sunday (Oct. 6). Since its inception, 40 Days for Life participants report having saved 24,853 lives from abortion during a campaign. That’s the type of impact that led an ACLU spokesperson to describe 40 Days for Life as the “greatest threat to choice.” 40 Days for Life has contributed to a groundswell of pro-life support worldwide. More than 155 abortion centers, along with numerous referral centers, where campaigns have been hosted, have closed their doors forever.
All are encouraged to participate in the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil. Many area Parishes have signed up for specific days and hours, but all are free to join at any time. The peaceful vigil takes place in the public right of way and appropriate signs are provided.
The prayer vigil in Fort Myers is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon. – Sat.), at 6418 Commerce Park Drive. For more information, contact Maureen at 40daysforlifefmsp@gmail.com, or visit 40daysforlife.com/fortmyers. The Naples prayer vigil is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Mon. – Sat.), at 1425 Creech Road. For details, contact Ricki at 40DFLnaples@gmail.com, or visit 40daysforlife.com/naples. In Sarasota, the vigil is daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 736 Central Ave. For more details, contact Rich at 40DFLSarasota@proton.me, or visit 40daysforlife.com/sarasota.
For more information, please visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/. If you would like to learn more about the Respect Life issues and how you can be a witness for life, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.
Other ways to support pro-life efforts within the Diocese of Venice.
Respect Life Collection
The weekend of Oct. 5 and 6, is Respect Life Sunday nationally and the month of October is Respect Life Month. Parishes across the Diocese of Venice will conduct a special collection to enhance this life-affirming work. The funds remain in the Diocese of Venice and facilitate a Culture of Life as a faith community in Southwest Florida and to support Respect Life Programs, among them, “Walking with Moms in Need,” a Project Rachel. This collection does not support the political activities associated with Amendment 4.
Healing After Abortion Retreat
If you had an abortion, no matter how long ago, are having trouble forgiving yourself or need help dealing with the memories, consider attending a one-day women’s retreat on Saturday, Nov. 9 sponsored by Project Rachel. You are not alone! Call or text Sylvia at 941-412-5860 or email her at project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. Do it today; you will be glad you did!
5K Walk/Run for Life in Naples Oct. 5
This annual event will take place Oct. 5, 2024, at St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Registration on the day of the event opens at 6a.m. with the race beginning at 7:15 a.m. This event is meant to promote a respect for life message and raise funds for pro-life causes while encouraging healthy living. The entry fee is $25 for adults and $10 for children under 12 if registered by October 4. Fees for all entries on the day of the race/walk is $30. Please visit
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Naples/StAgnes5KWalkRunforLife.
Life Chain Oct. 6 in Naples
All are invited to witness for life and respect life causes, especially Vote No on Amendment 4, on Respect Life Sunday, October 6, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Gather at 2 p.m. on US 41 across from Shikany Funeral Home, 28300 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs or Seagate/Pine Ridge in Naples (near St. William Church). Pick up a sign or bring your own, then pick your spot between these locations to silently witness and pray for a greater respect for all human life. Vote No on 4 signs will be available. Questions? Contact Rich at 239-776-9848.
Pro-Life program in Naples Oct. 11
St. William Parish, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, is hosting a pro-life program on Oct. 11, 2204, at 1 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The program, titled: “Wisdom in the Constitution and America’s Religious Legacy: Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness – how can we uphold it?” is presented by Dr. Seana McGuire Sugrue, D.C.L., Ambassador Michael Novak Chair of Politics at Ave Maria University, where she has previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty. The program will address relevant topics being debated in the 2024 General Election here in Florida and nationwide. The event is free and light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact St. William Parish at 239-261-4883.
Dinner For Life II in Sarasota Oct. 12
All are invited to the local Knights of Columbus Councils 3358 and 15332 Dinner For Life II event on October 12 at Columbus Hall, 4880 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL., 34232. The Cocktail Reception starts at 5:00 p.m. with dinner at 6:00 p.m. and speakers finishing remarks by 8:00 p.m. The evening’s theme is “What a Wonderful World”. The event dinner tickets are $75.00 per person and event net proceeds go to the Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center. Register at What a Wonderful World – Dinner For Life II – The Columbus Association of Sarasota (square.site). For further information email jamessylvester1955@gmail.com or call 301-788-3756.
Pro-Life Rally in Fort Myers
Show your support to defeat the Abortion Amendment 4 by attending a rally at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 15 at Word of Life Church, 6111 S. Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers. The speakers will include Pastor Gaspar Anastasi and Jim Havens. Please contact Nancy McGovern at 239-850-1539 for further information.
