Pro-life vigil held outside Planned Parenthood Jan. 22

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
January 26, 2006

A crowd of about 60 people gathered in front of Planned Parenthood for a candlelight vigil on the evening of Jan. 22.

This day marked the 33rd anniversary of legalized abortion in the United States. Roe vs. Wade was decided on Jan. 22, 1973.

The vigil began at 6:30 p.m. and lasted about an hour. The Divine Mercy Chaplet was prayed by those gathered. There were also songs, readings and other prayers.

"The vigil was so prayerful. It was beautiful," said Marge Stanek. "Everybody was gathered around with their candles and lifting prayers to God. I thought it was very rewarding and very good."

She pointed out that there were people there from Remsen, Sioux City, South Sioux City, Neb. and different places in the area.

"I think this has to be consistent," said Stanek. "Prayer is probably our greatest aid to help us. We cannot do anything unless we pray first. Prayer leads to action - just being a witness. There probably were not many people that knew we were there, but God knows we were there. All that matters is that our Lord knows we came out to pray."

Stanek mentioned that knowing there have been 33 years of legalized abortion, she decided to get a card to send to the abortionist from Omaha.

"I wrote a letter to the abortionist. I told him that we are praying for him and hoping for a conversion of heart that he would stop abortion," said Stanek. "It is important for the abortionist to know that we are not mean spirited, but we just want him to know that we are thinking and praying for him."

She had the people gathered at the vigil sign the card. She noted that the card was filled with signatures by the end of the night.

"There is a sadness that I feel that this is the 33rd anniversary of legalized abortion and Christ lived 33 years with us on earth," said Stanek. "What a sad legacy that we have left behind that for 33 years we have continued to have our modern day crucifixions just like we did with Christ. They are tiny little babies instead of a grown person."

Stanek noted that the ongoing continual presence there has "a powerful message that we are not going to go away."

"It is very powerful to be a witness. We never know at what time we might be affecting another young couple, a young girl or a young man in their decision," said Stanek.