Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, leads about 40 people in praying the rosary outside Peoria's abortion facility on Sept. 27, the start of the 40 Days for Life campaign. In the background is the Women's Care Center, a pro-life outreach located next door to the abortion clinic. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)

Thanking them for their witness to the Gospel of Life, Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, led about 40 persons in praying the rosary outside of Peoria’s abortion facility on Sept. 27, the start of the fall 40 Days for Life campaign.

“Thank you so much, not just for being here tonight, but for all you have done for so many years and continue to do,” said Bishop Jenky. “And whatever praise I give you, which is everything I can give, it is nothing next to the praise and thanks that God gives you for witnessing to the Gospel.”

Among those praying the rosary with Bishop Jenky outside Peoria’s abortion facility on Sept. 27 were, from left: Cecilia Soñé, diocesan director of Respect Life ministry; Sister Isabel Romero, SCTJM, diocesan director of Hispanic ministry; and Kay Robison of Central Illinois Right to Life. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)

Their prayer and witness continue to be urgently needed, said the bishop.

He specifically cited proposed legislation in Illinois that would authorize the use of taxpayer money to pay for elective abortions for Medicaid participants and state employees. Gov. Bruce Rauner is apparently re-thinking his previous pledge to veto the legislation, House Bill 40, if it reaches his desk.

“We can’t pay our bills,” the bishop said of the State of Illinois, “but somehow we can pay for the destruction of innocent human life. So continue your prayers. Do not stop praying.”

The Catholic Conference of Illinois is urging calls and emails to Gov. Rauner asking that he keep his word and veto HB 40 and taxpayer-funded abortions.

Flanked by six members of a Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree honor guard on the sidewalk in front of the Whole Woman’s Health abortion facility, Bishop Jenky prayed the Glorious Mysteries of the rosary as traffic roared by on busy North University St.

The Glorious Mysteries were appropriate, said the bishop, not only because they are traditionally recited on Wednesday, but because “in the end, Christ wins — no matter what the world does.”

Some of the participants held pro-life signs as they prayed.

As a fall sunset made the western sky behind him aglow in red, Bishop Jenky ended by offering words of hope.

“Another Supreme Court justice or two and the law of the land will change,” said the bishop, referring not only to court decisions legalizing abortion but also laws that “would force our Catholic hospitals and schools and ministries to provide abortion.”

“The Devil’s greatest trick is to make us discouraged,” said Bishop Jenky. “But do not be afraid. Instead, stand up and believe, as you have, in season and out of season. We have God on our side and Mary prays with us and for us. She brought Jesus into this world and she is our Mother, and we have nothing to fear.”

40 Days for Life campaigns are now under way in Champaign, Ottawa, Peoria, and in the Quad Cities. The bishop also invited all to the March for Mary sponsored by the Diocese of Peoria on Oct. 7.

EDITOR’S NOTE: More photos from this event have been posted on The Catholic Post’s Facebook site.