At the beginning of the Spring 40 Days for Life campaign in Denver, which lines up with our Lenten season, a group of volunteers gathered quietly in prayer outside a local abortion facility, bringing their fasting and prayer with them.
They spoke often about hunger — not just the hunger we feel in our stomachs, but the deeper hunger of the heart. The hunger for justice. The hunger for mercy. The hunger to see life protected and families supported in moments of uncertainty. That hunger appeared almost immediately.
The day after the prayer campaign began on February 19, 2026, a young woman reached out through email to our 40 Days for Life after a friend encouraged her to contact the 40 Days for Life volunteers.
Her message was simple:
“Hi there, I was sent your email by a friend. They had seen my post about me being young and pregnant. I just found out the 17th. He said you would be open to helping me.”
It was the beginning of a journey. The young mother shared that she felt torn about what to do. She described herself as “50/50” about whether she should carry the baby to term. Both she and the father of the child were experiencing pressure from friends to have an abortion. But she stayed in contact.
Soon she attended her first prenatal appointment at a pregnancy resource center. Though the pregnancy was still very early, she shared a message filled with excitement:
“We heard the baby’s heartbeat.”
That moment changed everything. The couple decided to choose life. They asked the volunteers to continue praying for them and walking alongside them as they prepared to welcome their child.
Just days later, another encounter unfolded on the sidewalk outside the clinic.
A prayer volunteer noticed a young couple lingering before entering the building that provides abortions. She was about 11 weeks pregnant and had already visited the abortion clinic once before. Instead of walking straight inside, they stopped and spoke with a 40 Days for Life volunteer. The conversation was long and gentle. The volunteer listened to their fears and offered another option — a chance to visit a nearby pregnancy resource center where they could receive counseling and support.
After some time, the couple agreed to go to Marisol Health together. Later that day, they returned past the sidewalk where the volunteer was still praying. As they drove by, they waved and smiled through the car window. They had scheduled a follow-up appointment and were continuing to explore life for their baby.
Moments like that are rare, volunteers say — especially seeing both mother and father supporting each other.
But not every day brings visible victories.
Late afternoons outside the clinic often feel heavy. One volunteer described the quiet that settles in as the sun begins to set. Cars come and go. Some carry women who appear determined to go inside. One afternoon, a hotel vehicle pulled into the lot with a woman sitting alone in the back seat. When the volunteer offered help and alternatives, she waved them away through the open window. She appeared to have traveled from out of state.
The moment lingered with a sense of grief.
For those who stand there in prayer, the weight can feel overwhelming. Yet they continue. Because sometimes hope appears in unexpected ways — in a message from a young mother looking for help, in the sound of a baby’s heartbeat for the first time, or in a couple choosing to seek support together.
A central principle of Catholic Social Teaching, Life and Dignity of the Human Person reminds us that every individual is created in God’s image. No matter someone’s circumstances, each life carries inherent dignity and deserves compassion, respect and care.
The 40 Days for Life volunteers believe even the smallest acts matter: one conversation, one prayer, one moment of compassion. Seeds planted in love can change the future.
And sometimes, those seeds grow into new life.
If you are interested in getting involved in the 40 Days for Life ministry, please contact Lisa Blevins at aurora40daysforlife@gmail.com.