GROUND ZERO REPORTS

Closing Rally

November 4, 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I want to take this moment to thank all who prayed for an end to abortion during this campaign and to offer a special thank you to everyone who stepped-up to the plate to proclaim the word of God. Once again you have braved the cold, the rain, the noise and many other distractions to make this possible, and once again our campaign was peaceful, and for the most part, uneventful. Thank you for your bravery and your determination. More »

Day 36 - Baby Saved

October 31, 2012

I was at Ground Zero on Oct. 31 around Noon Proclaiming the Word when A man came up behind me and shouted in my microphone "YOUR PRAYERS ARE NOT WORKING!". More »

Day 34 - Corn Hustlers

October 29, 2012

Today at the 40 Days for Life Vigil we were temporarily surrounded by another demonstration. As I walked back and forth with my 40 Days for Life sign on, people started showing up in front of McDonald’s across the street. They proceeded to set up a sound system and some were dressed as pieces of corn and had signs on protesting against genetically modified (GM) food and companies such as Monsanto. Some of the people had on t-shirts which said PowerShift 2012 – which was the name of a conference taking place in Ottawa from Oct 26-29. Soon media showed up to record what was to take place. More »

Day 29 - A Modern Day Hero

October 24, 2012

On Wednesday, October 24, I was interviewed by CTV reporter Roger Smith at around 12:00 Noon More »

Day 24 - Uplifting encounters!

October 20, 2012

I checked the Vigil Calendar early this morning and notice that this was a not a day which was reserved by any Parish. More »

Day 23 - Sending us out like the first disciples

October 20, 2012

October 18 was my Parish Day. I started the day off by going to morning Mass at Holy Redeemer church. More »

Day 19 - Midpoint Rally

October 14, 2012

Some Speeches from Midpoint Rally More »

Day 18 - Proclaiming the Word

October 13, 2012

Yesterday, students from my school – Saint Paul University, Ottawa – took our turn [with a few other helpers too!] to fill the slots on the vigil roster for praying at the downtown abortion mill during the 40 Days for Life. More »

Day 18 - I was one of those people

October 13, 2012

I was one of those people. You know the ones walking by, heads down, reciting to themselves “Don’t make eye contact” over and over. More »

Day 14 - Silence Before the Storm

October 9, 2012

October 8, 2012

Around 5:50 pm I was approached by a homeless man looking for some money... More »

Day 10 - Seeds That Don't Take Root

October 8, 2012

This year I am one of the people taking turns to bring the sound equipment for the Proclamation of the Word (11:00 am to 1:00 pm), to ground zero. Last Friday and again on Thanksgiving Monday, after delivering the equipment I stayed to pray in front of the abortuary. It is very inspiring to hear the Word of God proclaimed. More »

Day 9 - A Multitude of Prayer Warriors

October 4, 2012

Today parishioners of the Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Ottawa were at ground zero to pray for an end to abortion. More »

Day 6 - Bouquet of Roses

October 2, 2012

Today The Good Shepherd was at Ground Zero and there was an average of five people per hour. Many people from across the city came to pray with us, including Frances from Silent no More. Thank you to all who came to Ground Zero today! I believe two "bouquets of roses" arrived, surely gifts from St. Theresa on this her feast day. More »

Day 3 - Angels & Abortion - Fr. Matt Wertin

September 29, 2012

September 28, 2012

It was cold and sunny at Ground Zero at about 11 am when I showed up. I brought my youngest daughter with me in a stroller. She was very good -- she did not fuss for a whole hour as I walked back and forth on Bank Street. More »

Day 1 - Tears of Joy

September 27, 2012

I dropped by Ground Zero today (September 27th) after I had finished with an appointment. I listened to Eileen make the Proclamation of the Word. More »

40 Days for Life Launches In Ottawa

September 27, 2012

Tuesday night saw the launch of the sixth 40 Days for Life Campaign here in Ottawa. More »

40 Days for Life Ottawa Kick-Off Rally (with video of Linda Gibbons)

September 27, 2012

40 Days for Life was launched yesterday in Ottawa and it was a very sober and prayerful event. I estimate that there were about 200 people in attendance. More »

Campaign Log - 2011 (Part 2)

November 7, 2011

November 6, 2011

November 5, 2011

November 4, 2011

November 3, 2011

November 2, 2011

November 1, 2011

October 31, 2011

October 30, 2011

October 29, 2011

October 28, 2011

October 27, 2011

October 26, 2011

October 25, 2011

October 24, 2011

October 23, 2011

October 22, 2011

October 21, 2011

October 20, 2011

October 19, 2011

The Ottawa 40 Days for Life Mid-Point rally took place at Ground Zero – across from the abortion facility on Bank street in the evening of Sunday October 16th . The 55 individuals who attended this rally were treated to some electrifying and inspirational talks delivered by Paul Lauzon, Deacon Charles Fink, Jennifer Snell, Frances Wilkinson, John Pacheco, Doris Gagnon and Fr. Matt Wertin. More »

Report from America - Day 22

October 19, 2011

October 18, 2011

Hello fellow prayer warriors: When I was at the vigil site last night at 5:00 p.m., a security service personnel, probably from one of the govt. bureaux, was getting off of work. More »

Report from America - Day 21

October 18, 2011

October 17, 2011

October 16, 2011

October 15, 2011

October 14, 2011

October 13, 2011

Just wanted to share with you a wonderful experience I was part of yesterday down at Ground Zero. Following the end of Christian Community Day (gathering of all Ottawa Catholic School Board staff and support staff at the Conventioin Centre), I proceeded down to 65 Bank Street. Upon arrival, a priest (and 2 others dressed in clerics) was leading those gathered in the Rosary and later on, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. More »

Report from America - Day 16

October 13, 2011

October 12, 2011

October 11, 2011

October 10, 2011

October 9, 2011

October 8, 2011

Just wanted to share with you a wonderful experience I was part of yesterday down at Ground Zero. More »

Report from America - Day 11

October 8, 2011

October 7, 2011

October 6, 2011

A priest took the first spot for the proclamation of the Word and later shared with me that in all his life he had never experienced such a Spiritual attack. More »

Report from America - Day 9

October 6, 2011

October 5, 2011

October 4, 2011

October 3, 2011

October 2, 2011

October 1, 2011

September 30, 2011

September 29, 2011

September 28, 2011

November 1, 2010

Last night, Halloween night, about 120 valiant 40 Days for Lifers showed up at Ground Zero in the frigid, howling wind to hear some inspiring talks and belt out some hymns. More »

Report from America - Day 41

November 1, 2010

October 31, 2010

October 30, 2010

October 29, 2010

I dropped in for a short visit in the morning as I had some business downtown.The two pink ladies and the security guard were there. I met up with Frances. She told me that there was no sidewalk counsellor today. More »

Report from America - Day 37

October 28, 2010

October 27, 2010

October 26, 2010

October 25, 2010

My first visit to the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil at Ground Zero was powerful. Memorable experiences included a woman going into the clinic with a friend. She made a rude gesture and yelled vulgar words at us from across the road. More »

Report from America - Day 34

October 25, 2010

October 24, 2010

October 23, 2010

October 22, 2010

October 21, 2010

October 20, 2010

October 19, 2010

October 18, 2010

October 15th: Wayside Academy from Peterborough at Ground Zero On Friday October 15th, a group of ten students (grades 8 to 12 ), and six adults from Wayside Academy in Peterborough took a school bus to Ottawa to spend time at the Ground Zero vigil site. After a 31/2 hour ride, they disembarked across from the abortion mill to form a prayerful life-chain between 10 and 11 AM. This impressive site caused quite a stir across the road. More »

Report from America - Day 26

October 17, 2010

October 16, 2010

Last Thursday night we gathered for the mid-point rally. I had asked everyone who I spoke with during the past few days to pray for good weather because the weather report predicted rain. The weather was relatively good all day with the occasional sprinkle, so I was confident that God would hold back the rain. More »

Report from America - Day 25

October 16, 2010

October 15, 2010

October 14, 2010

October 13, 2010

October 12, 2010

October 11, 2010

October 10, 2010

October 9, 2010

I was walking up and down the side walk across from Ground Zero praying just before noon today when a construction worker called me over to the wire fence around 240 Sparks (He on the inside; I outside). More »

Report from America - Day 17

October 8, 2010

October 7, 2010

October 6, 2010

October 5, 2010

October 4, 2010

October 3, 2010

October 2, 2010

October 1, 2010

September 30, 2010

I went to the abortion site for about 35 minutes today. There were 7 or 8 people quietly praying. More »

Report from America - Day 9

September 30, 2010

September 29, 2010

September 28, 2010

September 27, 2010

Hello fellow Helpers, I am asking you to pray for M. a teenager who is 11 weeks pregnant and contemplating abortion.... More »

Report from America - Day 6

September 27, 2010

September 26, 2010

September 25, 2010

September 24, 2010

Was at the Vigil across the road from 65 Bank from 8Am to 9am Friday Sept 24th 2010. Saw something that torn at my heart as a Grandfather.... More »

Report from America - Day 3

September 24, 2010

September 23, 2010

September 22, 2010

Last night at Morgetaler's abortuary at 65 Bank Street, otherwise appropriately named as 'Ground Zero' by pro-life activists, the 40 Days for Life Campaign officially kicked off in Ottawa. Some 300 faithful attended Mass at St. Pat's and then approx. half of this number walked by candlelight to Ground Zero to hear some words and music of encouragement from organizers. The campaign is part of a much larger effort across North America and Europe. In Canada, we have 9 cities participating in this particular campaign - an almost two-fold increase from the last campaign. This campaign will be more modest in scope from previous campaigns with participants asked to cover a 12 hour period from 7AM-7PM every day for the next 40 days. Socon or Bust readers are encouraged to sign up and engage in the spiritual war. More »

Report from America - Day 1

September 22, 2010

November 2, 2009

November 1, 2009

October 31, 2009

I was at the vigil site today at the same time that Frances was there. There were two other ladies praying there as well. I noticed that many people took notice of Frances' "I Regret My Abortion" sign, often giving it a second look, including a teenage girl who came out of 65 Bank St. with an older woman, with the telltale brown envelope in her pocket. I noticed that as she walked away, the girl looked back across the street a few times, and even while she was trying to light a cigarette in the wind, she continued to look across at the sign. Perhaps a seed was planted that will make her give her pause to think about what she has done to herself and her unborn child. More »

Ground Zero Report - Day 38

October 30, 2009

October 29, 2009

I stopped by Ground Zero at around 10 am to see what was going on. I saw G all by himself praying quietly. I chatted with him a bit. I asked if it was okay to take a picture. He agreed. He thought it would be a good idea to stand next to the "Pray to End Abortion" sign. In the background was the entrance to the clinic, so I thought it made a good shot. When I finished, the security guard jumped out of the doorway, like I had done something wrong. He began to take notes. I thought it was rather ludicrous. More »

Ground Zero Report - Day 36

October 28, 2009

I didn't really fill a spot this morning. I just dropped by Ground Zero at about 10 am to encourage the vigilers. There was only one woman there. C had been there for over an hour and she was cold. She said I might have been an answer to a prayer as she was praying for someone to come. She spoke about the importance of faith in fighting the forces of darkness. I couldn't stay because I had to go pick up my daughter. But I said a decade of the rosary with her. Suzanne

Report from America - Day 36

October 28, 2009

October 27, 2009

Linda and I went downtown tonight to fill the (supposedly) empty 7-8pm slot. We were never less than 4 during the hour, and hit six for a while. 1) One gentleman went by and said "God bless you" to each of us. More »

Report from America - Day 35

October 27, 2009

October 26, 2009

Last night (12:40 am Monday Oct 26) someone threw an egg at the sign hanging on the post from a passing car. I was standing right beside it so it showered the sign I had hanging over my chest and the side of my coat and pants. More »

Report from America - Day 34

October 26, 2009

October 25, 2009

October 24, 2009

Today my fiancée Kirsten and I went down to ground zero. I had my sign with “I Regret Lost Fatherhood” on one side and “je pleure mon enfant avorté” on the other. I was moved by Kirsten’s willingness to stand with me even though she had never at all been involved in the sin of abortion. She’s got such a heart for this issue that she doesn’t care what people think about her standing with me. I am grateful she does because sometimes it’s hard to stand alone with that sign while passersby jeer and disdainfully glare at me. I love you Kirsten. More »

Report from America - Day 32

October 24, 2009

October 23, 2009

The one very angry older woman was trying to engage a young woman in the bus shelter to join with her into jeering me and insulting me alongside her, but the young woman did not join in. More »

Report from America - Day 31

October 23, 2009

October 22, 2009

At around 1:45 in the morning of October 22, 2009, a friend and I were keeping vigil outside of the Morgentaler Abortion Mill in downtown Ottawa. So far we had seen a few groups of people heading back home from the bars along Sparks St. After turning the corner, one particular group of intoxicated young adults, comprised of 2 guys and 2 girls around the age of 20, noticed us from across the street. Upon seeing us, one of the girls began yelling at us from the other side of the street and walked across. At first, she looked at the signs hanging up, saying “I can’t believe this.” and “Are you kidding me?”. We tried to talk with her but she quickly began throwing supplies on the ground and ripping the signs. At this point we asked her to leave and return the materials. One of the guys in the group had joined her by this point and he made similar comments and claimed that a good friend of his had undergone an abortion two weeks prior, to which I responded “I am sorry to hear that”. More »

Report from America - Day 30

October 22, 2009

October 21, 2009

October 20, 2009

October 19, 2009

October 18, 2009

October 17, 2009

October 16, 2009

October 15, 2009

October 14, 2009

I arranged with the help of three doctors to get the abortion. I remember being surprised how easy it was, and that it should not be that easy. My boyfriend with whom I was living with (not the Father of the child), dropped me off at the Civic Hospital, and went off to play golf (I lied to him about the child being his - as my the web of lies grew larger). I remember little of the abortion as a lot has been blacked out because of the very horrible nature of it all, but I do remember after when the nurse told me to use the bathroom to try to make sure there was no noticeable part of my dead child left in me that had to come out. More »

Report from America - Day 22

October 14, 2009

October 13, 2009

I was at the mid-point Rally tonight and was inspired by those who came to give their support to Paul Lauzon and his team from Campaign Life Coalition and their volunteers for their endless effort in the fight against abortion and in their brave sponsor of the 40 Days for Life campaign. More »

Report from America - Day 21

October 13, 2009

October 12, 2009

October 11, 2009

Tonight (Sunday 11th Oct 09) I was praying on the west side of Bank St. opposite the Morgentaler clinic. At approximately 10.10 p.m. and white male, approximately 5’8” slim, English speaking, aged approximately 35 years riding a bicycle crossed the street to where I was. He went on to relate in the most vulgar language that the carrying of a sign, “Pray for an end to abortion” was forcing my opinion of the abortion issue on him. More »

Report from America - Day 19

October 11, 2009

October 10, 2009

October 9, 2009

October 8, 2009

October 7, 2009

As I prayed my rosary this morning at ground zero during the 7 to 8 am shift with the sun slowly rising in the clouds against a grey blue sky, things seemed relatively calm and peaceful as people scurried into work. As they walked by, a couple of people said hello and discretely indicated their support for our prayers. This was reassuring, yet I know deep down that there are many who do not appreciate our presence here. Suddenly, as I was about to begin the 3rd Sorrowful Mystery of my rosary (Jesus is crowned with thorns), a middle aged man come in our midst and began to mumble something incoherent as he neared one of our fellow pro-lifers who was praying with me. More »

Report from America - Day 15

October 7, 2009

October 6, 2009

October 5, 2009

Today was the first time our son came with me in the early hours. While walking side by side a young man while passing us spoke with anger and pain " You disgust me!!!" More »

Report from America - Day 13

October 5, 2009

October 4, 2009

October 3, 2009

Having signed up with one other person to be at the vigil Saturday from 7 p.m. to midnight, I myself arrived about fifteen minutes early. I had been praying for only a couple of minutes when a young woman asked if she could interview one of the three of us gentlemen who were there holding signs. After asking the others if they would mind, I gladly volunteered. More »

Report from America - Day 11

October 3, 2009

October 2, 2009

The colorful one with the wings tried , and has recruited other women to film us and take pictures of us, and they were lined up all the way along Bank, South towards Queen. She is always doing this, having their faithful keystone security guy, write down notes, and then between them, they call the police,... yet again. More »

Report from America - Day 10

October 2, 2009

October 1, 2009

I got to ground zero yesterday about 11:30A.M. and stayed till 2p.m. There was the usual silliness across the street with the pro-choice people up to their usual antics and I'm sad to say only one or two other people showed up during my time there for short periods. More »

Report from America - Day 9

October 1, 2009

September 30, 2009

September 29, 2009

September 28, 2009

Early this morning, I spent a couple of hours at Ground Zero. I did the early graveyard shift from midnight to 2AM. Another vigiler, a PH.D Engineering student, did the later graveyard shift from 2AM to 5AM. More »

Report from America - Day 6

September 28, 2009

September 27, 2009

September 26, 2009

September 25, 2009

Today, September 25, 2009 around 2:30 p.m., I felt God urging me to walk to the vigil site. I told God I don't have time now, my lunch break is over. Later in the afternoon, there was a fire alarm in my office building. I exited my building, and as I had lost sight of my coworkers, I decided to go to the vigil site for five minutes just to pray. More »

Report from America - Day 3

September 25, 2009

September 24, 2009

Today was almost a carbon copy of yesterday. At 8:45 AM, the two gentlemen who come to pray daily in front of the abortuary while wearing sandwich boards arrived. More »

Report from America - Day 2

September 24, 2009

September 23, 2009

The 40 Days for Life Campaign began last night at Parliament Hill as approximately 250 participants heard from various pro-life speakers from a variety of backgrounds, including Dr. Mary O'Connor, Catholic Activist John Pacheco, Don Hutchison and Bruce Clemenger from the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and Rebecca Richmond from Ottawa Students for Life from Ottawa University. Closing up the celebration was Fr.Christian Riesbeck with some encouraging words and closing prayer. Interspersed with the speeches was some great music too. More »

Report from America - Day 1

September 23, 2009

April 7, 2009

April 6, 2009

April 5, 2009

My wife Carolyn, daughter Elizabeth and myself were able to make it to ground zero on Friday evening at 1800 just as a prayerful member was departing. The vigil was not broken. We had not pre planned our visit because we were coming up from St Mark The Evangelist Parish in Prescott.... More »

Report from America - Day 39

April 4, 2009

April 3rd I arrived at the site around 3:30 pm to find Eileen, an afternoon regular, holding the ground.... soon two more regulars, Anne and Deborah arrived. We quietly prayed as people walked by, on their way home from work. Unlike other days, there were no "incidentals", no disparaging remarks or actions.... perhaps people are just getting used to us being there.... perhaps they're even..... thinking...... More »

Report from America - Day 37

April 3, 2009

As I watched the guard during our hour of prayer, I wondered if he recognized how ludicrous it was for him to be protecting the centre from my 7, 8, 10 and 11 year old. A less ominous crowd is hard to imagine. But at no time did he seem uncomfortable in his position guarding the abortuary. In fact, when a Morgentaler employee came out for her cigarette break, the 2 of them laughed and conversed in a very friendly manner. When it was time for us to leave, our 11 year old daughter asked if she could first go across the street to speak with the guard. My natural inclination was to say "no", but we gave our permission and away she went. She spent a few minutes speaking with the guard, then returned to the rest of our family. In the car we asked her what she had said. She commented that she had asked the guard to pray for an end to abortion. He told her that he couldn't while he was working. So she asked him if he would pray when he got home. He assured her that he would "do his part". More »

Report from America - Day 37

April 2, 2009

I was at Ground Zero from 6-8:15 pm on April 1. I had planned to leave the vigil at 7 pm, but decided to stay to accompany a woman who would have been alone had I left. We did a Rosary together and then continued to pray silently. At about 7:30 pm, we heard this loud shout and two young men came running up to us swigging their arms and then one of the men started to punch and kick the large stand up signage board. More »

Report from America - Day 36

April 1, 2009

March 31, 2009

March 30, 2009

March 29, 2009

My husband Bruce and I went down to Ground zero early this morning to stand vigil for as long as we could, (unfortunately we did not dress warm enough), and it was a very cold morning with a chill that went right through you. Usually, I can stand that, but my feet after and hour and 45 minutes had had it, and I felt bad that I could not stay longer, with the four young men who also joined us there at a later time. More »

Report from America - Day 33

March 29, 2009

March 28, 2009

March 27, 2009

March 26, 2009

Yesterday, March 25th I was at Ground Zero for about 2 and a half hours, and there were a good number of young people going into the clinic, as is the usual thing on Wednesday, but while I was there, at the prime time between, 11:a.am. -2p.m., I did notice that the numbers were still down, compared to what I had witnessed other Wednesday mornings. We are having an impact. It is obvious in many ways. Thank You, Lord Jesus for letting us serve you. I was especially Blessed to meet a lovely woman who approached me as I walked and we spoke for awhile,after she asked me about my abortion. She was in a wheel-chair and had the kindest most gentle compassionate heart. It was as if I was encountering Jesus strongly in this lady. More »

Report from America - Day 29

March 25, 2009

March 24, 2009

March 23, 2009

March 20, 2009

March 19, 2009

March 18, 2009

I did my shift at Ground Zero from 1AM-5AM earlier this morning as part of my parish (St. Maurice) committment day for the 40 Days for Life. It's 6:15AM right now. I haven't gone to sleep yet. I have to go to work in a couple of hours so it'll end up being an all-nighter. I've been feeling rather guilty since I have not been down at Ground Zero more than a few hours thusfar, largely due to family and excessive work committments. So this stretch of a few hours makes me feel that I've caught up somewhat. If people only knew the kind of dedication of some of the vigilers and the early morning hours they keep and sacrifice for, they would really be impressed. I can tell you that I'm impressed with them as I see their registrations every day. So, anyhow, I thought this particular early morning vigil was going to be a lot like the ones I did during the last campaign. Lots of silence and not a heck of a lot of action. This time, however, would be different.... More »

Report from America - Day 22

March 18, 2009

March 17, 2009

I arrived at Groundzero at 4:54 a.m.and pulled out my beads and began praying to the B.V.M. Shortly thereafter, a male passerby, started angrily shouting at me... More »

Report from America - Day 21

March 17, 2009

March 16, 2009

March 15, 2009

March 14, 2009

Linda and I arrived at the vigil site this morning (Saturday) just before 8:00. We found six people there: a family of four and a couple (with whom we had shared time earlier in the week). They kept us company until about 8:15, and then we were alone until 8:50 when a lady arrived to keep watch for the next hour. More »

Report from America - Day 18

March 14, 2009

March 13, 2009

Today, I was Blessed to have a fellow parishioner from my church, accompany me. It was her first time, and she and I wrapped up to brave the cold and the colder wind. I am always reminded when I comment on the weather outside, that I can always dress up to stay warm, but the children about to be killed across the street, feeling first off the cold, cold, instruments of their assassin cannot find the same comfort, here on this earth. We must pray for them with such fervor., pleading intersession, and storming Heaven. Let them never be out of our thoughts. Let every smile we encounter remind us of the ones we will not see, (Alas, God sees). Perhaps one day if it His Will, they will smile when they see us in Heaven, and know we cared enough to be there, as much as we could, and to pray always first and foremost for them. More »

Ground Zero Report - Day 16

March 12, 2009

Today, it seemed like I was having no impact. Was I using the wrong words? Was my approach wrong? Many refused to take the flyers, some stopped, took them, and it even seemed that a few of the accomplices were in agreement with me. But they went in anyway. It reminds me of something Msgr Reilly told us while we were in Brooklyn. We can't rely on appearances. Sometimes, it is those who seem to be the most angry who are closest to conversion. Others will sweetly smile at you and go on to kill their baby. More »

Report from America - Day 16

March 12, 2009

March 11, 2009

I went to Bank St early as it was the first time for a friend from church and I wanted to keep vigil with her.While trying to sign in,(both pens didn't work) a terrible gust of wind blew signs about and I had to rescue the sign that said "65 Bank St. - Dr. Morgentaler Facility".... More »

Report from America - Day 14

March 10, 2009

March 9, 2009

I was at the vigil from 1 to 2 p.m. again today. While standing praying, something happened I wasn't expecting but very touching. A man carrying a large backpack approached me for prayer.... More »

Report from America - Day 13

March 9, 2009

March 7, 2009

I just got home from Ground Zero for the second time today and it was quite an eye opener. I was there for a few hours this morning and was able to see some of the staff and quite a few clients enter the clinic. The staff were a bit too obvious as they tried to look smug and like they were happily skipping their way to work, but the clients, mostly young women in their early twenties looked far less enthusiastic. More »

Report from America - Day 10

March 6, 2009

I noticed as I was holding my I regret my abortion sign what could have been a couple of possible turn around. I also received a mixture of reactions from the steady stream of passerby, mostly favorable. I should add that if you had not received this news from in the past I have had a couple of young women who opened up to me about their previous abortions, and when I shared with them, about my regrets and empathy for their pain, they moved into a more trusting stance, and cried asking me if they thought God could and would ever forgive them, and to which I shared yes, of course, as He could see a deeply sorrowed heart, and that if they asked and turned around in the future, He would be very Heartened and also wanted to help them. I added there were places of support, i.e. Rachel's Vineyard, as well as the many pregnancy crisis support avenues, and the Help number. More »

Ground Zero Report - Day 9

March 5, 2009

"I happend to walk by here last fall and noticed a lady I knew sitting on the bench in front of the door of 65 Bank. I asked her what she was up to and she told me that her daughter was upstairs having an abortion. She said she didn't want her to, but couldn't convince her otherwise. I was on my way to work and couldn't stay long, but I started praying and praising the Lord and didn't stop until I got to work. Two months later, I saw the woman again and asked about her daughter. The woman told me that shortly after I left, her daughter came out in tears saying "I can't do this, it's a crime!" and decided to keep her baby." More »

Report from America - Day 9

March 5, 2009

March 4, 2009

I had an abortion 2 weeks ago from today (Feb 19, 09). Oh how i wish i could go back in time. The night i found out i was pregnant i was a scared. The morning brought light and hope, i had been blessed. My boyfriend of three years wanted me to get an abortion. Abortion was not an option for me. He caused a lot of grief and stress that i began having complications but i was determined to keep my precious baby. More »

Report from America - Day 8

March 4, 2009

March 3, 2009

Today was another frigid day. At noon, the temperature at the Ottawa Airport was -12º C with a bone chilling wind-chill of -19 º…..not the best conditions to do the vigil outside the abortion mill. I was wondering how many people I would greet when I arrived at the site, and to my surprise there were four: a couple with their toddler and an elderly lady, perhaps the grand-mother. What a powerful prophetic witness, I thought, on one of the busiest intersections of Ottawa, with numerous pedestrians and buses. Two were proudly holding signs while praying. What a sacrifice on such an icy day! But hey, it’s Lent, and you’re supposed to make sacrifices. And this francophone family was certainly setting an example of what a Lenten pilgrimage should be. More »

Report from America - Day 7

March 3, 2009

March 2, 2009

March 1, 2009

February 28, 2009

February 27, 2009

was praying from 1 to 2 p.m. today. It was raining. By the time I left, my mitts were dripping wet and my jeans were soaked. A police car came. The policeman came out and talked to the security guard. Then another police car came but he didn't get out. Then he rolled down his window and asked us across the street if we were obstructing the sidewalk. I said no, we're just peaceful. He smiled and nodded and rolled up his window. They left. One of two ladies praying before me said that someone called the police because a group of about six (not connected with 40 days for life who march every Friday regularly ) were walking so slow that they were obstructing pedestrians and she thought that was why the police came. More »

Report from America - Day 3

February 27, 2009

February 26, 2009

The day began on an encouraging note. The first couple I encountered seems to have turned-around. They showed up before 8:00am, before the mill opened. I got a chance to exchange a few words with them and gave them some brochures. They looked them over while waiting in the lobby. When the staff arrived around 8 o'clock, they went up. I was very happy to see them come back out within the hour. More »

Report from America - Day 2

February 26, 2009

February 25, 2009

On a more encouraging note, there were two possible turn-arounds. We can't be sure if the life of a child was saved, but I was greatly encouraged. The first involves a young couple who seemed to be looking for an address. They went into 71 Bank, then turned around, headed towards the McDonalds, came back a couple of minutes later. I approached them with the brochures saying "I know the women going into this clinic have some serious problems, but the solution to a crisis pregnancy is to take care of the crisis, not terminate the pregnancy." The young man grabbed the brochures and exclaimed "I believe that too!" and nodded to the woman with a "told you so" kind of look. We exchanged a few more words and then they walked towards Sparks St, turned the corner, and I didn't see them for the rest of the day. May God bless them and encourage them.... More »

Report from America - Day 1

February 25, 2009

If enthusiasm means anything, then the spring 40 Days for Life campaign getting under way today is going to be HUGE!! Here is some of the early feedback I've received... More »

Mercy is to bury the dead

February 23, 2009

Tomorrow is the big day. After many weeks and months of planning, the 40 Days for Life global campaign begins tomorrow evening. The time for talking is over. The time for prayer is here. The Ottawa campaign starts tomorrow at 8PM sharp at Ground Zero (65 Bank Street). For the next 960 hours, heaven is going to be besieged with prayer, petitions, and sacrifices as the Body of Christ turns its gaze to the killing centres across this country and around the world, providing the witness of hope this world so desperately needs. More »

The Ministry of Reconciliation

February 23, 2009

Our English word Lent comes from the Old English lencten and refers to the lengthening of the days as spring approaches. So, the renewal of the earth and of Christian life in baptism are linked. The Sacred Liturgy stresses two features of Lent: the preparation for baptism by catechumens or the recollection of their baptism by those accompanying them, and penance. By means of these, "the Church prepares the faithful for the celebration of Easter, while they hear God's word more frequently and devote more time to prayer." More »

Unborn

February 23, 2009

February 22, 2009

Hello John: Just would like to let you know that the Couples for Christ and Family Ministries has been offering First Saturday Mass for Pro-Life intentions, followed by Pro-Life Rosary at St. Teresa's Church (9:00 am mass with Rosary ending at approximately 10 am). You may wish to include that in the events page. Take care and God bless. Philip & Michaelina Tang Couples for Christ Ottawa Pro-Life and Social Ministry Coordinator More »

Reflection from the Last 40 Days Campaign in Ottawa

February 21, 2009

February 18, 2009

Over the last little while, you may have noticed through various media reports and blog comments that the pro-aborts have become somewhat restless with the abortion wars. They know that time is not on their side. They understand how the social pendulum works. They want the abortion question to be settled. In fact, that’s what they’ve been saying for some time now. Some of their leading propagandists have been informing Canadians not to worry, that indeed the abortion question is settled. More »

Archbishop Prendergast Thanks 40 Days For Life Participants

February 1, 2009

November 3, 2008

Tonight was the official ending of the 40 Days for Life Campaign in Ottawa. Close to 500 people attended tonight's rally and they heard special guest speakers, Archbishop Prendergast of Ottawa and Debbie Fisher from Silent No More Awareness Campaign. After the speeches, the vigilers processed by candlelight from the Abortion Mill to St. Patrick's basilica for Mass and a Reception. The Basilica was packed, to say the least. More »

The Trash Babies

October 21, 2008

Last week, I had an opportunity to head down to Ground Zero for a late evening shift. During the evening time slots, I like to go over to the other side of the street - just outside of Hell's entrance - to pray. After saying one decade of the Rosary, I made my way towards the entrance to the abortuary and started to pray. During this particular night, there was a pile of garbage bags just outside of the Abortion Mill. I guess it was garbage night for the Mill. As I was praying, my mind wandered a bit and my gaze eventually fell on those garbage bags. Normally, garbage would not be that remarkable, but in the context of the grizzly act of abortion and our vigil campaign, it could not help but take on an added level of significance for me. More »

Closing Rally

November 4, 2012

Day 36 - Baby Saved

October 31, 2012

Day 34 - Corn Hustlers

October 29, 2012

Day 29 - A Modern Day Hero

October 24, 2012

Day 24 - Uplifting encounters!

October 20, 2012

Day 23 - Sending us out like the first disciples

October 20, 2012

Day 19 - Midpoint Rally

October 14, 2012

Day 18 - Proclaiming the Word

October 13, 2012

Day 18 - I was one of those people

October 13, 2012

Day 14 - Silence Before the Storm

October 9, 2012

Day 13 - Homeless Tears for the Unborn

October 8, 2012

Day 10 - Seeds That Don't Take Root

October 8, 2012

Day 9 - A Multitude of Prayer Warriors

October 4, 2012

Day 6 - Bouquet of Roses

October 2, 2012

Day 3 - Angels & Abortion - Fr. Matt Wertin

September 29, 2012

Day 2 - Forgiveness Not Revenge

September 28, 2012

Day 1 - Tears of Joy

September 27, 2012

40 Days for Life Launches In Ottawa

September 27, 2012

40 Days for Life Ottawa Kick-Off Rally (with video of Linda Gibbons)

September 27, 2012

Campaign Log - 2011 (Part 2)

November 7, 2011

Campaign Log - 2011 (Part 1)

November 7, 2011

Report from America - Day 40

November 6, 2011

Report from America - Day 39

November 5, 2011

Report from America - Day 38

November 4, 2011

Report from America - Day 37

November 3, 2011

Report from America - Day 36

November 2, 2011

Report from America - Day 35

November 1, 2011

Report from America - Day 34

October 31, 2011

Report from America - Day 33

October 30, 2011

Report from America - Day 32

October 29, 2011

Report from America - Day 31

October 28, 2011

Report from America - Day 30

October 27, 2011

Report from America - Day 29

October 26, 2011

Report from America - Day 28

October 25, 2011

Report from America - Day 27

October 24, 2011

Report from America - Day 26

October 23, 2011

Report from America - Day 25

October 22, 2011

Report from America - Day 24

October 21, 2011

Report from America - Day 23

October 20, 2011

Ground Zero Report - Day 22

October 19, 2011