Day 1…Jesus Summoned the Twelve…

…and gave them power and authority over all the demons…

Luke 9

I love it when God reminds us that HE is the ONE in charge of 40 Days for Life. It is not me, thank goodness! First of all, the weather yesterday was not looking good. It was pouring rain for much of the afternoon, and the forecast for the evening was more of the same. As I worked at my computer at the PCUC office, seeing it pouring down in buckets, I said to the Lord, “I am not going to worry…this is YOUR thing. YOUR WILL be done!”

Well…it turns out that His Will was for us to have an absolutely gorgeous evening for our kick-off Mass and Eucharistic Procession to Planned Parenthood! The air was warm and balmy, with a gentle breeze…the sky was luminous and beautiful. Despite there being a Pens game going on right next door, hundreds of faithful men, women and children were able to get to the event on time…including 12 priests and 2 deacons! And best of all…no protestors! We had a wonderful peace as we walked, following our Lord, surrounded by our fathers, brothers and sisters in the faith.

Speaking of there being 12 priests…do you think that is a coincidence? There were a few priests that I thought were coming that didn’t show up…and there were a few priests that I didn’t know were coming that came. It seems that God always brings 12 of His sons to the altar for our kick-off Mass. And the reading today, which I quoted above, says that Jesus summoned the twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons. That is so important for us to remember!

When we begin our 40 day prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood, we begin it with the power and authority of Jesus Christ Himself! Fr. Christopher Donley, as an installed pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, has…by the bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s authority, the authority over all demons inside the geographical area of his parish…including 933 Liberty Avenue. The devil is very legalistic. He knows the hierarchal authority of the Church. He knows that when Jesus shows up, he has to flee. And so, as long as we continue to have these Eucharistic Processions to Planned Parenthood, he knows that his days are numbered. We have to believe that.

Although the Church was very much filled, and we were happy with the attendance…one person made a comment to me that he wished as many people would take part in our Mass as were filing into PPG Arena for the Pens game. I thought about that and actually disagreed. I told him that if thousands of people were cramming into Mass for our kick-off…and only hundreds were going into the arena…I would be worried. Jesus said that the way to destruction is broad and wide, and many go there. But the way that leads to life is narrow and hard and few find it. I told him that God always calls a small remnant. That is His way. I compared it to the edge of sharp blade. It is very small and narrow, and so it is able to cut cleanly and deeply. If you needed surgery, would you want your doctor to use a scalpel, or a sledgehammer?

So I think we should be encouraged that our numbers are small…compared with the world. It is a sign that we are on the right road.

I will post some of the photos from last night at the bottom of this blog post, so after reading the shift reports from today, you can scroll down to view them. CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO SLIDESHOW OF LAST NIGHT

Actually, before we go onto today’s reports, I need to put in a shameless plug for our upcoming PCUC fall fundraiser Luncheon. It is at the Lamont Restaurant on Sunday, October 20th at 12:30. Fr. Joe Freedy is the speaker, so it should be very inspiring!

You can now register online for this banquet by CLICKING HERE!!! I hope to see you there!

Now…on to today’s shift reports for DAY ONE…

Cathy & Bonnie, 7:30-9:00

Bonnie and Mary B joined me today praying the rosary. Hutch, the guard came about 8:45. Was not a real busy am but 4 women did go inside, none accepting any offers of help. So sad they have accepted the false hope that abortion will solve their problems.

Dry til 8:30, then the heavens opened up. Water spouted from the downspout! Rained hard for about 15 min, then lightened up for a bit, then hard again! Fortunately the next shift arrived so we could go home and dry out. A little extra penance, plus we need the rain!

Conrad & Julie, 9:00-11:00

Julie and I were on the 9 to 11 shift which was slow but steady. Julie said that she only went through training a brief time ago with Andrew. I think she is outstanding and has great potential to be even better . Women accept information from her almost gladly. The rain was not an issue. It didn’t last very long. It was good seeing Hutch back he’s married now. There were no incidents thank God. The abortionist left at 11. It seems that that’s her routine from past experience. Not long after the abortionist left, a woman came out very distraught definitely the handiwork of the abortionist. I remember the woman going in a few hours before. She and her partner did not accept any literature from us. All very very sad.

Ken & Larry, 11:00-1:00…check back later…

Judy & Kevin, 1:00-3:00

Slow PP traffic today. Two separate gals on way out with brown bags and 1 gal going in. None were interested in hearing anything. I gal knocked signs down on her way into Art Gallery. Number of workers leaving. Several pedestrians took pamphlets and several positive remarks for us being there and a thumbs up from a police biker. So Kevin and I had more time for prayers today.

Steve & Eileen, 3:00-5:00

Quiet afternoon! Eileen and I said our Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary, and greeted the folks on the sidewalk. It was great to have Red’s protection- he is a really nice guy!

Last Night’s Event Photos Below: CLICK HERE TO WATCH A SLIDESHOW WITH MUSIC!