SIX BRAZILIAN CITIES JOIN GLOBAL PRAYER VIGILS
A 40-day international initiative of prayer and fasting to end abortion began Sept. 23 across 64 countries, with vigils in six Brazilian cities. According to ACI Digital, the movement, known as 40 Days for Life, runs through Nov. 1 and brings together volunteers for peaceful public gatherings in Rio de Janeiro, Niterói, Brasília, São José, Florianópolis and Uberlândia. Supporters gather outside designated hospitals to pray, fast and raise awareness about abortion.
Fátima Mattos, coordinator of the Rio de Janeiro vigil, described the gathering as a peaceful and educational presence. She explained that prayer keeps volunteers focused on seeking God’s will, while fasting helps them overcome personal limitations through divine assistance. Meanwhile, Florianópolis coordinator Catia da Silva expressed hope that the event would promote public understanding and encourage perseverance and collective responsibility.
BRAZILIAN VOLUNTEERS UNITE IN PRAYER AND FASTING
In São José, local organiser Lisandra Gehrke invited supporters to remain united in prayer throughout the observance. She emphasised that each prayer reflects trust in God and hoped that volunteers would offer a testimony of love and care for life. Brazil’s National Network in Defence of Life and Family also backed the initiative, with its coordinator, Zezé Luz, describing the movement as nonpartisan and open to people of different faiths.
The international movement originated in Texas, United States, in 2007 before expanding to other countries. According to the organisers, the 40-day observance draws inspiration from biblical periods of trial and purification, particularly the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry.
The organisation holds coordinated prayer gatherings twice a year, including during Lent. Its president, Shawn Carney, attributes more than 26,000 lives saved and over 180 abortion facility closures to its efforts since 2007. However, these figures come from the group and have not been independently verified.
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