WEEK SIX

I came across an interesting story in an email from head office, from Shawn Carney, President & CEO, 40 Days for Life, about a baby who doctors recommended be aborted and although he didn’t live long after being born, his short life generated miracles. Here’s little Remy’s story: 

When prenatal testing revealed that a growth restriction prevented Stephanie and Brad's baby from developing properly, doctors suggested a late-term abortion. "There was this concept that I'd be able to get over the life of my child and get started having another child," Stephanie recalled.

For a moment, that made abortion sound reasonable. But Stephanie and Brad resisted the fearmongering, the dehumanizing words, and a panel of three doctors probing to make sure they were absolutely certain they didn't want to kill their son.

Remy was born at 25 weeks and five days. And just as his parents fought for him, Remy fought for his parents.

His mere survival was just the first of many miracles, as Stephanie and Brad saw their son inspire nonbelievers to begin praying, a loved one to begin attending church daily, and a friend who didn't want children to change her mind.

How did Remy do it? "All he did was exist," Brad said.

Remy breathed his last after just 53 days outside the womb, but he continues to inspire his parents, who decided to fight for other vulnerable babies by launching a 40 Days for Life campaign in Port Macquarie, Australia.

The vigil is a means for Stephanie and Brad to transform their pain into healing for women who have suffered the trauma of abortion.

"We have had a number of post-abortive women who have been able to grieve and share their feelings of loss and regret with vigil volunteers," Brad reported. "[Other passersby] pause and stare thoughtfully at the sign showing...our son born at 25 weeks."

This is the last week of the 2024 Fall 40 Days for Life campaign. The weather is getting colder and fatigue has settled in. But we can’t stop yet. There are lots of hours open at the vigil site. It’s your last chance to take part in the 40 Days campaign. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are days when the abortuary is in business and there is no scheduled prayer coverage.  If you can, come for one more hour and if you don’t want to come alone, bring a friend, or call me and we can arrange for a someone to join you.

Join us for the closing rally on Sunday November 3rd. We’re meeting at the vigil site at 6:00 pm. From there we will process to St. Patrick’s Basilica, Scavi, where we will hear from our guest speaker, Auxiliary Bishop Yvan Mathieu SM, followed by a reception.  We are asked not to park in the church parking lot, in order to leave room for those attending Mass. Any food or snacks for the reception are most welcome.

Here’s the schedule of vigil days this week:

Monday October 28

Tuesday October 29 … (on-site vigil) St. Maurice Parish    

Wednesday October 30

Thursday October 31

Friday November 1 

Saturday November 2 … (on-site vigil) Holy Cross Parish

Sunday November 3  …  (on-site vigil) Senhor Santo Cristo Portuguese Parish (1pm-4pm)

Yours for Life,

Wanda

Wanda Hartlin

Co-Ordinator

40 Days for Life, Ottawa

wanda40daysforlife@clife.ca

https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/local-campaigns/ottawa/

https://www.facebook.com/40days4lifeottawa