Catholics across the country are encouraged to observe a nationwide prayer vigil from Thursday, January 22 to Friday, January 23, 2026, to pray for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life.
The National Prayer Vigil for Life is hosted each January by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and The Catholic University of America’s Office of Campus Ministry. A contingent of more than 350 high school and college-aged young men and women will be participating in the Pro-Life activities in Washington.
The vigil has always taken place on the eve of the March for Life, which marks the date of the historic 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. The Roe anniversary is observed on Jan. 22 as the National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.
Meanwhile, within the Diocese of Venice, there is a local example of how life is being promoted in a unique way.
Safe Haven baby box now available in Naples
Just in time for Christmas, a Safe Haven Baby Box was installed in Collier County offering a safe, last resort for parents in crisis to surrender newborns anonymously, preventing abandonment and ensuring infant safety.
The box is situated at the front entrance of Collier County EMS Station 76, 990 Logan Boulevard, near Vanderbilt Beach Road, in North Naples, and was formally blessed and made operational on Dec. 19, 2025.
A Safe Haven Baby Box provides a secure, anonymous alternative for parents who feel unable to care for their newborn, and allows for for infant surrender under Florida’s Safe Haven Law. The system is climate-controlled, alarm-protected, contains a clear padded bassinet and is designed to immediately alert EMS personnel so that an infant receives prompt care.
Father Bob Kantor, Pastor at nearby St. Agnes Parish stated: “The Safe Haven Baby Box is another avenue to protect life in our community. It is not only a practical solution to a need but a visible sign in our area of the importance of offering viable alternatives for mothers under stress and a path to life for babies.”
It is hoped the Safe Haven Baby Box can prevent cases of abandonment in trash bins or on the side of the road, which puts a newborn child at imminent risk of death, as well as criminal charges being sought against the parents. It also presents a life-saving alternative to abortion.
There are currently more than 300 Safe Haven Baby Boxes across the United States, including seven in Florida. Nationwide, 73 babies under two months old have been safely surrendered through the boxes. Since the Florida Safe Haven Law was implemented in 2000, 436 babies have been surrendered, and at least three have been surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box.
40 Days for Life Spring Campaign
Looking forward, the Spring 40 Days for Life prayer campaign to end abortion in the United States will take place from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18 through Palm Sunday, March 29. Within the Diocese of Venice, peaceful prayer vigils will take place in front of Planned Parenthood abortion facilities in Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples. To learn more about this campaign, please visit https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/.
Project Rachel
For women or men who have been scarred by abortion, the Diocese offers “Project Rachel,” an outreach of the Catholic Church to those who are suffering and in need of healing following an abortion. This program offers help through the sacraments, retreats, and referrals for professional counseling, all confidentially. For assistance, please contact, Sylvia Jimenez, Project Rachel Coordinator, at 941-412-5860 (English and en Español), or project.rachel@dioceseofvenice.org. The Diocese also works with “Support After Abortion,” a national outreach to provide individualized care for those impacted by abortion. For details, visit https://supportafterabortion.com/.
To learn more about Respect Life activities in the Diocese of Venice, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/, or contact Tavia Ames at ames@dioceseofvenice.org.
