As we approach the start of the largest spring 40 Days for Life campaign EVER on March 1 \u2026 I have an encouraging message for YOU that we received over the weekend!<\/p>\n
The president of the Pontifical Academy for Life visited 40 Days for Life headquarters in Bryan, Texas \u2014 the former Planned Parenthood abortion center that now serves as our offices \u2014 and said that what you\u2019re doing is a \u201cwork of miracles.\u201d<\/p>\n
This was the first time Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia had ever visited a former abortion center.<\/p>\n
He said the place was once a \u201chouse of pain and great trouble, and especially great loneliness\u201d \u2026 but it has been transformed into a \u201chouse of life.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The Pontifical Academy for Life is the Vatican office that serves as a voice for the sanctity of human life. As the pope\u2019s appointed representative, Archbishop Paglia is the Catholic Church\u2019s authority on life issues \u2026 and his visit was a great honor.<\/p>\n
Archbishop Paglia gave 40 Days for Life his official endorsement last fall, after learning about the effort that he described as \u201clife blooming like a flower.\u201d<\/p>\n
He complimented 40 Days for Life for \u201cworking with all Christians to share the love of Jesus Christ to change hearts and minds. Changing laws is not enough, we must change hearts and minds.\u201d<\/p>\n
The archbishop also challenged 40 Days for Life to continue to grow, referencing what Jesus did by starting with just 12 apostles.\u201dThey had no strategy, only sandals and faith in Christ. It was simple and it changed the world \u2014 and this is what you are doing for the Gospel of Life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following his meeting with 40 Days for Life staff and board members, he said, \u201cWhen you let yourself be guided by the gospel, miracles do happen, and the world is no longer the same. And it\u2019s not just buildings that change. It\u2019s hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also referenced Mother Teresa\u2019s example to all Christians in her willingness to take care of any \u201cunwanted\u201d child.<\/p>\n
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In addition to the 40 Days for Life offices, the building now hosts a life-affirming medical center operated by Dr. Haywood Robinson, a 40 Days for Life board member \u2026 and former abortion doctor.<\/p>\n
Dr. Robinson explained the way Planned Parenthood disposed of aborted babies\u2019 remains \u2014 a story that deeply saddened the archbishop.<\/p>\n
After touring the facility where over 6,000 abortions were done, Archbishop Paglia spoke of Pope Francis and his concerns about a throwaway culture, \u201cwhere the world continues today to throw away life. Here in this facility, that whole culture is reversed, turned on its head. Here, no one\u2019s thrown away, and no one\u2019s abandoned.\u201d<\/p>\n
Archbishop Paglia was gracious and joyful in his message and wanted me to thank you for showing the love and mercy of Christ where abortions happen.<\/p>\n
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As we prepare our hearts to enter into 40 Days for Life on March 1, please find your campaign location, be encouraged, and trust in God\u2019s love to change hearts and minds through the most powerful weapon in the world \u2014 prayer.<\/p>\n
If you haven\u2019t found your nearest 40 Days for Life vigil yet, here\u2019s the place to go:<\/p>\n