Tick-tock: The deadline to apply to lead the February 18-March 29 40 Days for Life campaign in front of your local abortion business or abortion-pill-dispensing pharmacy is Thursday. Apply today: 40daysforlife.com/apply

John,

We have historic news out of Rome today, as Pope Leo just blessed the official Vatican Nativity scene, which is 40 Days for Life-themed this year!

Working with 40 Days for Life volunteers, Costa Rican artist Paula Senoto designed a pro-life Nativity scene lined with ribbons instead of straw...

...and each of the display's more than 25,000 ribbons represents a baby that God saved in response to YOUR prayers at a 40 Days for Life vigil!

Photo: Andreas SOLARO / AFP via Getty Images

"This has to be something that the whole world knows about," Paula said. "[The pro-life message] needs to be communicated very clearly, and we need to pray a lot."

The beautiful Nativity scene will include a visibly pregnant Virgin Mary--until Christmas, when a regular image of Mary adoring the Christ child in the manger will appear.

"This is the biggest pro-life rallying cry that will ever be heard from the Vatican," Paula added.

And it's a massive tribute to YOU for trusting God and faithfully standing vigil with your local 40 Days for Life campaign.

Congratulations!

What a beautiful way to close our best year ever, which saw God use you to help:

• defund Planned Parenthood;

• close a record number of abortion facilities;

• tens of thousands of mothers and children celebrate Christmas.

All because you answered the call to go out and pray at your local 40 Days for Life vigil.

It's not too late to apply to lead a 40 Days for Life campaign where you live. But it will be soon.

Applications close on Thursday. Sign up today:

40daysforlife.com/apply

For life,

Shawn Carney

President & CEO, 40 Days for Life