The anonymous letter credited the persistence of volunteers for causing a change of heart and convincing the woman to cancel an abortion. The writer thanked volunteers for standing outside an abortion clinic, regardless of weather conditions, and for undermining the stereotypical images she had of pro-life workers.
“This letter is a sign of hope to everyone who participates in the 40 Days for Life campaign. It definitely motivates us to continue praying and to keep the momentum going,” said Matthew Wojciechowski, Campaign Life project manager.
“The reason I decided to leave you this note is to tell you that what you did was good,” said the letter. “I felt I owed it to you for all the days you stood there in hope that others would take notice. I noticed and in turn it gave me hope that others I know would also care to ‘stand for me.’ ”
A copy of the letter dropped off at an unnamed 40 Days for Life site was provided to The Catholic Register by the Toronto arm of the campaign.
The campaign, which involves daily 12-hour vigils for 40 days outside abortion clinics in 17 locations across the country, ended on Nov. 3.
On the final day of the campaign in Toronto, there was a closing ceremony at the Sisters of Good Shepherd convent, a five-minute walk from the vigil site across the street from an abortion clinic on Lawrence Avenue West. A candlelight procession to the vigil site followed.
The next 40 Days for Life campaign will be held during Lent, though it has yet to be determined if there will be a vigil site in Toronto.
For more information, see www.campaignlifecoalition.com or www.40daysforlife.com.