40 Days for Life Final Event

The first-ever Napa 40 Days for Life campaign, Sept 24 – Nov 2, was a resounding success and finished in grand style with final event on Sunday evening of the last day.

Over 200 people came together for a candlelight procession, vigil and party to celebrate their faith and solidarity in the fight against abortion. 

We had young, old, babies in strollers, entire families, Latinos, Anglos, Catholic, and non–Catholic, who were all united in prayers of thanksgiving for the successful Napa campaign and to plead for an end to this evil in our Country.

The procession departed from St. John the Baptist hall led by members of Jesed, the Hispanic senior youth ministry of the parish, who carried homemade floats and colorful banners depicting our Lord and the Blessed Virgin.

The Napa neighborhood saw a snake-like procession of candles, heard the low murmur of Rosary prayers, and even the joyous songs of Believers who were happily praising their God.  When the group reached the Vigil Site at the Planned Parenthood facility a half-mile later, Fr. Castro led them in prayers and litanies, and after lingering a while, they returned peacefully in the same manner.  It was indeed a holy scene and a spiritually rewarding experience.  God was smiling on us because it was a comfortable evening with no rain.

Once back at the hall, it was time to enjoy the food and fellowship!  Food and drink was quickly made available, and Fr. Mark blessed the food in his wonderful and Holy Spirit filled way!  Additional tables/chairs had to be set up to handle the overflow crowd. 

While socializing and congratulating enveryone there for the diligence and persistence, we were entertained with a beautiful video that reviewed our entire Napa campaign -- the Kickoff Rally on Sept 21, the daily/nightly vigils on Jefferson St, the visit by National Director, David Bereit & family, more candlelight vigils, the visit of Eduardo Verastegui, and photos of the many, many people who made the campaign such a success.

We were able to enjoy each other’s company and the excellent food because of Julie and Jaime Murillo’s tireless efforts. Thanks! 

Announcements were at a minimum, but a notice in Spanish and English about the Walk for Life in San Francisco on Jan 24 was made known to all.

Our inspirational leader, Ron Maxson, made the final remarks in his usual style – thanking many committee heads who did so much  -- while humbly avoiding any personal credit. 

Thanks, Ron, we would not have been there that evening if it were not for you.

However, we know who was behind it all, running the show: Thank You, Holy Spirit!