Sept. 28 — For the 21st time, the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil in Rockland is taking place on Perlman Drive in Spring Valley, outside the mall where the Planned Parenthood office is located. Fifteen supporters came to pray at the opening hour yesterday. The prayers were led by Fr. Matthias, a priest visiting from Nigeria.

The 40 Days for Life is an international, interfaith movement whose goal is to end abortion through prayer, fasting, and community outreach. Volunteers come to a designated prayer site to pray for the victims of abortion, those harmed by it, for those involved in the abortion industry, and for all who strive to defend life. The prayer goes on 24/7 for 40 days. It is currently taking place in 375 locations across the U.S. and in 24 other countries. Over 13,300 babies have been saved from abortion during 40 Days for Life vigils, which began in 2007.

In Rockland, the prayer site is on Perlman Drive in Spring Valley from 9 am to 5 pm every day, and then prayer continues through the night at the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at St. Gregory Barbarigo Church in Garnerville. The vigil will go on for 40 Days and end on Nov. 5

Volunteers are always needed. If you can commit to one hour a week, please call 845-492-6709 or email rachelminister1@aol.com. And, as they say, “walk-ins” are always welcome. If you have an hour to spare, come on down. You may pray in any manner you choose. Be assured this is a peaceful event, held on public property.