Saint John Paul II, pray for us!

Saint John Paul II, pray for us!

Saint John Paul II, a real hero and now a Saint for the Pro-Life movement, was the first to coin the terms "culture of life" and "culture of death".  This actually gave a clearer definition and a renewed vigor to the pro-life movement.  At World Youth Day in Denver, the recently canonized Saint spoke of the spiritual battle we face today:

" Death battles against life:  A 'culture of death' seeks to impose itself on our desire to live life and life to the full.  There are those who reject the light of life, preferring the "fruitless works of darkness" (Ephesians 5:11).  Their harvest is injustice, discrimination, exploitation, deceit, violence.  In every age, a measure of their apparent success is the death of the innocents.  In our own century, as at no other time in history, the 'culture of death' has assumed a social and institutional form of legality to justify the most horrible crimes against humanity: genocide, 'final solutions', 'ethnic cleansing', and the massive 'taking of lives of human beings even before they are born or before they reach the natural point of death' (cf. Dominum et Vivificatem 57)."

Saint John Paul II laid out the task ahead of us with great urgency that echoes for us today, "At this stage of history, the liberating message of the Gospel of life has been put into your hands.  And the mission of proclaiming it to the ends of the earth is now passing to your generation.  Like the apostle Paul, you too must feel the full urgency of the task : "Woe to me if I do not evangelize." ( 1 Cor. 9:16).  Woe to you if you do not succeed in defending life."

(www.lifenews.com/2014/04/25/blessed-pope-john-paul-ii-saint-and-pro-life-hero)

Let us use the canonization of Saint John Paul II as a call to make the fire of urgency for the Pro-Life mission of Vigil for Life - Madison burn ever brighter!!

Please bring your prayers to the sidewalk this week!

OPEN HOURS

Monday, 4/28 - 100% filled; Praise God!

Tuesday, 4/29 - Only 50% filled on this Abortion Day; 1 needed at 11a; 1 needed at 12p; 1 needed at 1p; 2 needed at 2p; 2 needed at 3p and 1 needed at 4p.

Wednesday, 4/30 - Only 55% filled on this Abortion Day; 1 needed at 8a; 1 needed at 12p; 1 needed at 1p; 1 needed at 2p; 1 needed at 3p; 2 needed at 4p and 2 needed at 5p.

Thursday, 5/1 - 90% filled; 1 needed at 3p.

Friday, 5/2 - 100%filled; Praise God!!

To sign up for hours go to:vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or call Gwen Finnegan at (608)393-8545 or e-mail info@vigilforlife.org.

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Pro-Life Benefit Dinner

Our Lady of Hope Clinic and The Women's Care Center of Madison are co-sponsoring a Celebration of Life benefit dinner on Saturday, May 10 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.  A social hour will start at 6:00 and dinner is at 7:00 p.m.  Cost is $75 per person or $500 for a table of eight.  Space is limited.  Please RSVP @CELEBRATEMADISON.ORG.

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Pro-Life Wisconsin Pro-Life Boot Camp with nationally acclaimed speaker Pam Stenzel

Thursday, May 8th at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 18255 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, WI.

Event is free.  Pre-registration is required.  Call 262-796-1111 or visit www.prolifewisconsin.org

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National Day of Prayer - Thursday, May 1st

12p - 1p

Capitol - King Street Entrance

Madison, WI

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Pro-Life Teen Retreat

June 14, 2014 - 9:15a-6p - Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 5250 Justin Road, La Crosse

Join Pro-Life Wisconsin youth for a fun day of education, networking with other pro-life youth, prayer, and spiritual strengthening!  Recommended age range 14-17.

Register online at www.prolifewisconsin.org or call 262-796-1111.

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A Pro-Life Prayer For Our President And Public Officials

- from EWTN

Lord God, Author of Life and Source of Eternal Life,

Move the hearts of all our public officials and especially our President, to fulfill their responsibilities worthily and well to all those entrusted to their care.

Help them in their special leadership roles, to extend the mantle of protection to the most vulnerable, especially the defenseless unborn, whose lives are threatened with extermination by an indifferent society.

Guide all public officials by your wisdom and grace to cease supporting any law that fails to protect the fundamental good that is human life itself, which is a gift from God and parents.

You are the Protector and Defender of the lives of the innocent unborn. Change the hearts of those who compromise the call to protect and defend life. Bring our nation to the values that have made us a great nation, a society that upholds the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

Mary, the Mother of the living, help us to bear witness to the Gospel of Life with our lives and our laws, through Christ, Our Lord.   

Amen. 

Easter Joy

Happy Easter!  The Lord is risen!  He has risen indeed! Alleluia!  Alleluia!  

St. Augustine wrote, "The resurrection of Christ was God's supreme and wholly marvelous work."  What more needs to be said?  What a glorious day!  Jesus' rising from the dead conquered both sin and death so that one day we may all spend eternity with the Angels and Saints praising God!  Such immeasurable Joy!

Please bring your Easter Joy in the Risen Jesus Christ to the sidewalk to witness for life this week!! 

OPEN HOURS

Monday, 4/21 - 100% filled; Praise God!

Tuesday, 4/22 - Just 63% filled on this Abortion Day; 1 needed at 12p; 2 needed at 1p; 2 needed at 2p and1 needed at 3p.

Wednesday, 4/23 - Only 55% filled on this Abortion Day; 2 needed at 8a; 1 needed at 12p; 1 needed at 2p; 2 needed at 3p; 1 needed at 4p and 2 needed at 5p.

Thursday, 4/24 - Just 80% filled; 1 needed at 3p and 1 needed at 5p.

Friday, 4/25 - Just 50% filled; 1 needed at 1p and 1 needed at 2p.

To sign up for hours go to: vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or call Gwen Finnegan at(608)393-8545 or e-mail info@vigilforlife.org.

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Pro-Life Benefit Dinner

Our Lady of Hope Clinic and The Women's Care Center of Madison are co-sponsoring a Celebration of Life benefit dinner on Saturday, May 10 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.  A social hour will start at 6:00 and dinner is at 7:00 p.m.  Cost is $75 per person or $500 for a table of eight.  Space is limited.  Please e-mailRSVP@CELEBRATELIFEMADISON.ORG to register.

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Pro-Life Wisconsin Pro-Life Boot Camp with nationally acclaimed speaker Pam Stenzel

Thursday, May 8th at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 18255 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, WI.

Event is free.  Pre-registration is required.  Call 262-796-1111 or visit Pro-Life Wisconsin.org

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National Day of Prayer - Thursday, May 1st

12p - 1p

Capitol - King Street Entrance

Madison, WI

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Father Frank Pavone's "Spiritual Adoption" of Abortion Clinic

Father, all life is in Your care.

You have entrusted us to one another,

that we may show our brothers and sisters

the same love You have for us.

We pray, then, for the least among us,

the children in the womb.

Protect them from the violence of abortion.

We pray for those that are scheduled to die at Planned Parenthood, Madison.

Save them from death.

Give new hope to their parents,

that they may turn away from the desperate act of abortion.

Grant conversion to the abortionist and to the staff.

Show us how we are to respond to the bloodshed in our midst,

And lead us to the day when this place of death

Will be transformed into a haven of life.

Guard us with your joy and your peace,

For in You, life is victorious.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hope

 "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God.  Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly.  Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while were were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5: 1-8) 

As we enter into this Holy Week following our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: 1.  On his way into Jerusalem amongst the crowds praising him, "Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest." (Matthew 21:9); 2. To the Last Supper where he gave his apostles his Body and Blood for the first time, "This is my body that is for you.  Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood.  Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11: 23-26); 3. To Good Friday when Jesus suffered greatly and died for our sins, " Then Pilate took Jesus and had him *scourged.  And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head... And they struck him repeatedly...So they took Jesus and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.  There they *crucified him..." (John 19: 1-3, 16-18); we have all hope of the glory of God because we know what is on the other side of the cross! 

[* scourge - A barbaric first step in executing a criminal.  A metal-barbed whip, designed to rip the victims flesh and bones, and inflict wounds from which they would never recover. (The Little Black Book, 2013)

* crucify - An ancient method of execution in which the victim's hands and feet were bound and nailed to a cross. It was one of the most painful and disgraceful methods of capital punishment. Victims were usually beaten and tortured and then forced to carry their own cross to the crucifixion site. The Roman cross was formed of wood, typically with a vertical stake and a horizontal cross beam near the top. (http://christianity.about.com/od/glossary/g/crucifixiondefi.htm).]

Please bring your hope to the sidewalk this week:

OPEN HOURS

Monday, 4/14 - 100% filled; Praise God who gives us all hope!

Tuesday, 4/15 - Only 50% filled on this Abortion Day - 1 needed at 9a; 1 needed at 10a; 1 needed at 2p; 2 needed at 3p; 1 needed at 4p.

Wednesday, 4/16 - Only 75% filled on this Abortion Day - 1 needed at 8a; 1 needed at 12p; 1 needed at 4p; 2 needed at 5p.

Thursday, 4/17 - Just 60% filled - 1 needed at 3p; 1 needed at 4p and 2 needed at 5p.

Friday, 4/18 - 100% filled - Praise God who gives us all hope!

To sign up for hours go to: vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or call Gwen Finnegan at (608)393-8545 or e-mail info@vigilforlife.org.

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GOOD FRIDAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Please join us on Good Friday (April 18, 2014) at 10 a.m. as Fr. Rick Heilman and his Knights of Divine Mercy lead us in Stations of the Cross in front of Planned Parenthood, 3706 Orin Rd., Madison, WI.

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BUFFER ZONE UPDATE

The City of Madison Buffer Zone ordinance went into effect on Thursday, March 27th in the morning.  Please call Gwen Finnegan (608-393-8545) with questions on how the ordinance effects Vigil for Life prayer warriors and sidewalk counselors.

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Prayer by Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life:

Lord, fill your people with new hope.

Make us vessels of hope to all around

us, especially to those who minister in

the pro-life movement, that as we en-

gage in the difficult work ahead, we

may experience the peace and joy that

come only from you and that nobody

can take away from us. We ask this

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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A blessed Holy Week to all,

(With the deepest and most infinite gratitude to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior and with special thanks to St. Paul, St. Matthew, St. John the Evangelist and the Holy Spirit.)

The Vigil for Life Team

The Lost Sheep

 In today's Gospel (John 9:1-41), Jesus gives sight to a blind man.  Upon washing the mud from his eyes, the blind man is physically able to see immediately.  Spiritually, the blind man who can now physically see gradually converts to see/believe in Jesus as the Messiah - the Christ!   

Jesus says, "I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see might see and those who do see might become blind." 

O my Jesus, You are our Good Shepherd,

You share the Truth with us, not to condemn,

but to motivate, so that none of Your sheep are lost.

 

We humbly accept the task you have given to us,

to share the Truth by witnessing for Your Gospel of Life.  

Your yoke is easy and Your burden light.  

 

We will not grow weary of searching for the lost sheep.

For in You, we find our rest.

May all we say and do only lead people closer to You,

who live and reign forever and ever.

 

Amen.

 

Won't you help search for the lost sheep on the sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood?  Please join us during one of our open hours.

 

 

OPEN HOURS

 

Monday, March 31 - 75% filled - 1 needed at 9a.

Tuesday, April 1 -  Just 75% filled on this Abortion Day - 1 needed at 1p; 2 needed at 3p and 1 needed at 4p.

Wednesday, April 2 - Only 60% filled on this Abortion Day - 1 needed at 8a; 1 needed at 9a; 2 needed at 10a; 1 needed at 1p; 1 needed at 4p and 2 needed at 5p.

Thursday, April 3 - Just 80% filled  - 1 needed at 2p and 1 needed at 3p.

Friday, April 4 - 100% filled - Praise God!

 

To sign up for hours go to:  www.vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or call Gwen Finnegan at 608-393-8545 or send an e-mail to: info@vigilforlife.org

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STORIES FROM THE SIDEWALK

On Thursday (March 27) morning, one of our prayer warriors joined a group that drove up from Rockford, Ill. to witness for life at Planned Parenthood, Madison.  While there, a young woman coming out of Planned Parenthood told a member from the Rockford group that she was choosing life for her baby.  We are so grateful to God for sending this group from Rockford to witness for life at PP-Madison!  Please pray for this woman and her baby!

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BUFFER ZONE UPDATE

The City of Madison Buffer Zone ordinance went into effect on Thursday, March 27 morning.  Please call Gwen Finnegan (608-393-8545) with questions on how the ordinance effects Vigil for Life prayer warriors and sidewalk counselors.

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GOOD FRIDAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Please join us on Good Friday (April 18, 2014) at 10 a.m. as Fr. Rick Heilman and his Knights of Divine Mercy lead us in Stations of the Cross in front of Planned Parenthood, 3706 Orin Rd., Madison, WI.

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Could Spring take any longer to get here?!

In these frigid conditions, it’s hard to remember what warm weather feels like. The good news is, we're bringing you a little spring warmth to help you get through these brutal winter days! Registration is now open for Pro-Life Wisconsin's annual Spring Awards Dinner in Stevens Point!

Nothing will warm you from the inside out more than showing your support for our Pro-Life heroes! We all are passionate about the pro-lifemovement, but the recipients of this year's awards have gone above and beyond year after year.

We need YOU to join us in honoring these recipients and showing them how much we appreciate their efforts!

The Activist of the Year award will be given to Miss Jennifer Leigh Dunnett, a dedicated member of the Servants of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Jen has a heart full of love for life, and we can't wait to honor her commitment.

Our Legislator of the Year award will be given to State Rep. Dan LeMahieu, who is retiring this year, for a lifetime of dedication to pro-life legislation and action.

Joining us to celebrate their heroism will be our esteemed guest, Fr. James Kubicki, National Director of the Apostleship of Prayer and frequent host on Relevant Radio!

Great speaker. Great people. Great pro-life cause. You don't want to miss this special night. Register now!

 www.prolifewisconsin.org/events.asp

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John Paul II's Closing prayer of Evangelium vitae 

O Mary, 

bright dawn of the new world, 

Mother of the living, 

to you do we entrust the cause of life 

Look down, O Mother, 

upon the vast numbers 

of babies not allowed to be born, 

of the poor whose lives are made difficult, 

of men and women 

who are victims of brutal violence, 

of the elderly and the sick killed 

by indifference or out of misguided mercy.

Grant that all who believe in your Son

may proclaim the Gospel of life 

with honesty and love 

to the people of our time. 

Obtain for them the grace 

to accept that Gospel 

as a gift ever new, 

the joy of celebrating it with gratitude 

throughout their lives 

and the courage to bear witness to it 

resolutely, in order to build, 

together with all people of good will, 

the civilization of truth and love, 

to the praise and glory of God, 

the Creator and lover of life.

God Our Father, Giver of life,

we entrust the United States of America

to Your loving care.

You are the rock 

on which this nation was founded.

You alone are the true source

of our cherished rights 

to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Reclaim this land for Your glory

and dwell among Your people.

Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts

of our nation's leaders.

Open their minds

to the great worth of human life

and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom.

Remind Your people that true happiness

is rooted in seeking and doing Your will.

Through the intercession of 

Mary Immaculate, Patroness of our land,

grant us the courage to reject 

the "culture of death."

Lead us into a new millennium of life.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Amen!