The spring prayer vigil against abortion was cancelled due to a lack of volunteers, so Campaign Life Coalition made an appeal to the faithful and was able to recruit the volunteers necessary to save the autumn campaign.
Rebecca Wilson, 22, is one of nine members who volunteered to be on the organizing committee, allowing the campaign to begin Sept. 25. For 40 days straight, the vigil will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with volunteers encouraged to pray for an end to abortion, the closure of abortion clinics, the conversion of doctors and staff and women who are in crisis pregnancies. They will gather across the street from the Women’s Care Clinic on Lawrence Avenue West.
“I think this campaign is a very peaceful way of promoting a very powerful message, showing people we’re passionate about what we do, take everything like it’s a gift from God,” said Wilson, calling the vigil “non-confrontational, but still equally effective.”
“The abortion issue is a huge social justice issue and young people need to be more involved. That’s what motivated me to get involved with the pro-life movement,” said Wilson, a receptionist at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in the archdiocese of Toronto.
“Abortion specifically targets a younger demographic.”
During her university years, Wilson worked as a summer student with Campaign Life Coalition, a national pro-life advocacy group. Having participated in the 40 Days for Life vigil twice, Wilson will now act as the communications co-ordinator for the fall campaign.
“Prayer is a very important part of the pro-life movement… that’s what inspired me to get involved in this particular campaign,” she said. “Forty days for life is a very peaceful approach to the situation. It’s not so abrasive to other people.”
Wilson has received both positive and negative feedback while volunteering. She says volunteers have seen numerous people decide not to have an abortion. And while it is not unusual that passersby will yell at the volunteers, “we can tell that we’re still pricking their conscience and they’re thinking about it,” she said.
Until the daily vigils begin, Wilson will be contacting parishes and interested groups in the GTA to promote the event and to try to get groups to sponsor one of the 40 days.
“We hope people give generously with their time,” she said.
“Throughout the campaign we will still try to get fresh new members (and) encourage people who are continuously there to keep motivated. It’s easy to get discouraged.”
Volunteers are also encouraged to fast at their own discretion during the 40 days.
Across Canada there are 17 campaigns, including vigils in Oakville and Mississauga in the GTA.
For more information, visit www.campaignlifecoalition.com and www.40daysforlife.com/toronto.html.