Kickoff Rally Report

We had a great kickoff rally Tuesday evening at Bishop Ireton High School cafeteria, with around 80 people in attendance, including Christians young and old, family, singles, religious, team leaders, prayer volunteers, new and returning faces.

Bishop Ireton chaplain Fr. Ed Perez led the opening prayer shortly after 7pm, invoking the Holy Spirit's assistance and inspiration.

Event coordinator Sara gave an overview of our local "community in crisis," citing the 2010 Alexandria average of over 5 abortions per day, giving us an abortion rate of over 32% of pregnancies. In addition, the number of abortions among blacks and minorities in Alexandria comes out to be around double that of whites, revealing an alarming disparate effect we cannot wholly dismiss as unintentional, given Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger's outlook and writings on African-Americans.

Other team leaders discussed the origins and results of 40 Days for Life both abroad and here in the community, prayer as an inter-denominational Christian effort for life, the vigil as a peaceful prayerful sign of God's love, and community outreach as a way to engage our neighbors in Alexandria. Mary Ellen noted that Dr. Cassidy, a supportive dentist in Building 2, has made his office available during office hours to prayer volunteers in case of necessity, but this is not to be overused, and all signs are to be left at the vigil site when approaching his office. 

Sister Clare of the Diocese of Arlington told attendees that Bishop Loverde is very supportive of 40 Days for Life, and is himself an ardent witness for the unborn. She then wrapped up the remarks around 7:45pm with a closing prayer asking God's blessing and protection upon our efforts this fall.

Following the remarks was a brief period for signups and refreshments, after which we carried lighted candles in a silent procession to the vigil site to offer community prayer. The rally ended around 8:15pm.

From all reports so far, rally attendees were very pleased with what they had seen and heard. We look forward to standing vigil, working and praying for life together during this fall 2011 campaign!