Photo Caption: The campaign of prayer and public witness to end abortion will take place from Sept. 24 to Nov. 2 in Champaign, Peoria, and Bettendorf, Iowa.

Catholics of the Diocese of Peoria are invited to join Christians of all denominations in prayer and action to end abortion during “40 Days for Life” campaigns to be observed in at least three area regions from Sept. 24 to Nov. 2.

The campaign includes prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful, public vigils, often at abortion clinics. The 40-day time frame is drawn from examples throughout biblical history where God brought about world-changing transformation.

Prior to the campaign, informational kickoff events are taking place in communities including Champaign, Peoria, and the Quad Cities.

The Champaign “40 Days for Life” kickoff was Sept. 4 at Holy Cross Church in conjunction with the parish’s “Life is Sweet” evening. Columnist and author Lori Borgman was guest speaker. The Champaign vigil will take place in front of Planned Parenthood, 302 E. Stoughton St. For more information contact Laura Gallant at 40days@prolifeillinois.com.

In Peoria, area pro-lifers will gather at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 607 N.E. Madison, to launch the Peoria observance. Guest speaker will be Connie McEldowney of the ministry “Rustic Hope.” Connie and her husband, Craig, have opened their hearts and home to pregnant women in need for the past decade.

The prayer vigil in Peoria will take place daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. outside the National Health Care abortion center at 7405 N. University. Churches and other ministries are encouraged to cover entire days of the vigil, according to Karen Guth, coordinator, who can be reached at (309) 453-7493 or by email at peoria40daysforlife@gmail.com.

The opening prayer service in the Quad Cities is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24, on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood, 2751 Tech Drive in Bettendorf, Iowa, where the vigil will take place. For more information, email Jeanne Wonio at schweet@mchsi.com.

“40 Days for Life” campaigns are planned in hundreds of cities, both in the U.S. and around the world. Campaign organizers claim the effort, since its inception, has saved nearly 9,000 babies from abortion, helped to close 56 abortion centers, and led to conversions of dozens of workers in the facilities.

More information is available at 40DaysforLife.com.