Lent begins today! Learn how to make the most of your Lent--and save a life--in this short video: youtube.com/watch?v=sTziJHLm22I
Today, Catholics and other Christians across the world will gather to receive ashes as a reminder that "for you are dust, and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19).
Despite not being a holy day of obligation, Ash Wednesday is traditionally one of the liturgical year's most attended Masses with attendance increasing even more in recent years. This solemn but sobering Mass reminding us of our sins, frailty, and dependence upon God is more popular than ever. Why?
It would seem that our culture’s quick dismissal of God and celebration of self would make Ash Wednesday an absurdly dated practice that has no place in our tolerant, self-affirming culture where you can be you, and I can be me.
To read the rest of my Townhall op-ed, visit:
townhall.com/columnists/shawncarney/2023/02/21/ash-wednesday-op-ed-n2619766
Just last week, Americans were exposed to an overtly demonic performance of “Unholy” by Sam Smith and Kim Petras, who is transgender. As desperate as the performance was, the real cry for help actually came beforehand when Petras spoke to the Associated Press.
“I just never got a chance to know about spirituality or be accepted by God. So, to me, it’s like mythology. To me, it’s like a fairy tale or any other story.”
So without having ever given revealed religion a chance, Petras joined the church of progressive dogma. And like many other confused and impressionable young people, Petras has been seduced by its covenant, including the commandment that sacrifice in the form of body mutilation and self-harm will fill a void of emptiness.
This Lent, make an appointment with God on the sidewalk, and you just might save a mom and baby from a choice that can't be unmade.
According to former abortion workers, the no-show rate for abortion appointments goes as high as 75% when you're outside praying!
That's true even if you live in an abortion "sanctuary" state. Prior to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, nearly HALF of the abortion facilities to close their doors FOREVER were located in abortion-friendly states!
Don't wait. Find the vigil nearest you, sign up, and go pray for an end to abortion where it matters most:
Want to showcase your 40 Days for Life vigil to the world? Send your best photos and campaign stories to media@40daysforlife.com for a chance to be featured in a 40 Days for Life email!
Zhongli, Taiwan
More babies are aborted in Taiwan than are born.
It's a shocking statistic--one that Sister Maria Fidelis is looking to change as she leads her second 40 Days for Life vigil in Taiwan.
Last year's vigil in Zhongli involved more than 1,000 participants, and Sister Maria Fidelis said the vigil is growing!
"This year, we have more groups and people who want to pray for Taiwan and the whole world!" she said. "Thanks be to God, we see improvement."
Sister Maria Fidelis will look to continue building a pro-life prayer presence--and not just in Taiwan. Next month, she'll visit the Philippines to promote 40 Days for Life.
Frankfurt, Germany
40 Days for Life vigils begin today in 36 countries around the world.
Different cultures, different time zones, different languages--but one shared language of prayer!
"Greetings from Frankfurt!" wrote Chiara, who joined a 40 Days for Life outreach event for young people. "Let's pray for the fire in all the hearts to fight for the unborn!"
Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly. Gather the people, notify the congregation. Assemble the elders; gather the children and the infants at the breast. … Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, "Spare, O Lord, your people."
--Joel 2:15-17
Lord, we ask for the strength, courage, wisdom, determination, and stamina to carry out this mission according to Your will. Guide us, we pray, as we go forth and proclaim Your truth.
