Deacon John Kelly of St. Gregory Barbarigo Church in Garnerville leads the prayers at the opening session of the Rockland 40 Days for Life on Perlman Drive in Spring Valley on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10.

The winter 40 Days of Life Campaign began on Wednesday.

Granted, it looks like a cold, lonely vigil, standing on the side of Perlman Drive in Spring Valley in February, praying for an end to abortion. And at times, it may be. But it’s a hopeful one – and a peaceful one.

The Planned Parenthood office is out of sight, far across the parking lot. There is no confrontation. We’re not even sure which of the cars entering the little strip mall is headed there.

But we hope they see us — and our message. It’s ultimately one of love and consolation: Life is a sacred gift. And that there’s help for those involved in crisis pregnancies, for whom powerlessness and impossibility may seem so overwhelming.

Please join us. Don’t be afraid. It’s not a protest. We’re there to offer up our prayers for the babies, the sorrowful parents, and all the troubled players in the tragedy that is abortion.

You may want to check this out. This did not take place here, but describes the experience in a unique and powerful way. Last Word: A Vigil — Praying the Rosary Outside Planned Parenthood.

Please join this peaceful  campaign of prayer and fasting.

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Perlman Drive, Spring Valley (on public property)

6 p.m. to 9 a.m. — Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at St. Gregory Barbarigo Church, 21 Cinder Rd., in Garnerville.

For information call 845-429-6709.