Monica Jordan, director of Glendale's 40 Days for Life vigil site, meets Shawn Carney, co-founder of the movement in this 2011 file photo. (Ambria Hammel/CATHOLIC SUN)
Monica Jordan, director of Glendale’s 40 Days for Life vigil site, meets Shawn Carney, campaign director and co-founder of the movement in this 2011 file photo. (Ambria Hammel/CATHOLIC SUN)

It’s now Day 27 of the global Lenten 40 Days for Life prayer campaign and there have been 319 confirmed saves from the loss and pain of abortion, including locally.

A March 4 blogpost by Shawn Carney had this update to share from the Glendale location:

Monica had some terrific news to pass along from the 40 Days for Life vigil in Glendale. “Within a week we have had 10 turnarounds!”

For reasons unknown, Planned Parenthood was closed on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday of the previous week.

“They are normally open on those days,” Monica explained. Six of those turnarounds took place on those days the facility was not open. “The sidewalk counselors were able to help and give information to the local crisis pregnancy center,” she said. “I praise God and thank all the people who are praying to end abortion.”

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted celebrated a bilingual kickoff Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Tempe for the diocesan effort. A rally featuring the American Life League and Voices por la Vida followed. Arizona has four vigil sites, all located within diocesan boundaries.

A mid-way prayer service and gathering was held March 10 at the vigil site in Lake Havasu City.

More than 7,000 babies have been spared their life since the campaign began in 2007.