40 Days for Life Campaign Invites Southwest Florida to Be a Voice for Life
By Tavia Ames, Special to the Florida Catholic
As the Fall 40 Days for Life campaign begins Sept. 23, 2026, pro-life advocates across Southwest Florida are preparing for 40 days of prayer, fasting and peaceful witness on behalf of unborn children, their mothers, and all those affected by abortion.
The campaign, which runs through Nov. 1, brings together people of faith from all walks of life who share a commitment to protecting human life through peaceful prayer and public witness.
This fall’s efforts will begin with kickoff events in Fort Myers and Sarasota. The Fort Myers 40 Days for Life campaign will hold its kickoff rally at 6 p.m., Sept. 20, in front of Planned Parenthood, 6418 Commerce Park Drive, Fort Myers. Sarasota participants will gather at 10 a.m., Sept. 24, in Father Fausto Hall, St. Martha Parish, 200 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota.
The Naples Planned Parenthood facility has been listed for sale, creating renewed hope among pro-life advocates that the abortion business in Collier County may one day close its doors. However, local volunteers say the need for prayer has never been greater.
“For many years, faithful people have stood in prayer outside this facility,” organizers said. “Now more than ever, we need prayers that this campaign will help bring about a permanent end to abortion in Naples and that one day we can celebrate with a joyful closing party rather than continuing a prayer vigil.”
More Than a Rally
Organizers emphasize that 40 Days for Life is not simply about attending a kickoff event. The heart of the campaign is the daily commitment to prayer and peaceful witness throughout the 40-day period.
Many people assume participation requires spending hours at a vigil site, but there are numerous ways to support the cause.
Individuals can commit to praying at home, offer a daily Rosary for the protection of life, attend Eucharistic Adoration, fast from a favorite activity or meal, or recruit others to join the campaign. Parishes can include intentions for the unborn and their families in their prayer petitions, while families can incorporate pro-life prayers into their daily routines.
Those unable to stand at a vigil location because of health concerns, work schedules, or family obligations can become “spiritual participants” by praying from wherever they are.
“Every prayer matters,” organizers noted. “Whether someone spends an hour at a vigil site or offers a Rosary from home, God uses those prayers in powerful ways.”
A Witness of Hope
The 40 Days for Life movement has long emphasized peaceful, prayerful outreach rather than confrontation. Volunteers are asked to maintain a respectful and compassionate presence, recognizing that every person involved in an abortion decision is deserving of love, prayer, and support.
Campaign leaders say participation also offers an opportunity to support women facing unexpected pregnancies by volunteering or donating to local pregnancy help centers that provide practical assistance, material support, parenting resources, counseling, and hope.
“Being pro-life means more than opposing abortion,” organizers said. “It means walking with mothers, fathers, and families before, during, and after pregnancy.”
An Invitation to All
As another campaign begins, organizers extend an invitation to Catholics and all people of goodwill to participate, regardless of experience.
Whether joining the kickoff rally in Fort Myers, attending the gathering in Sarasota, praying outside a local abortion facility, or offering prayers from home, every participant becomes part of a larger effort to build a culture of life.
Since 40 Days for Life began, 26,546 mothers have chosen life for their children; 279 abortion workers have quit their jobs; and 187 abortion centers where 40 Days for Life vigils have been held have gone out of business. Thanks to the leadership of Bishop Emeritus Frank J. Dewane, the Diocese of Venice was one of the earliest to participate in the national campaign which began in 2006.
Fall 40 Days for Life prayer vigil hours
- Campaign Dates: 23 through Nov. 1;
- Fort Myers: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, at 6418 Commerce Park Drive;
- Sarasota: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7-days-a-week, at 736 Central Ave.;
- Naples: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, at 1425 Creech Road.
Tavia Ames is the Diocese of Venice Respect Life Director. For more information or to sign up for prayer hours, contact Tavia at Ames@dioceseofvenice.org.
