John,

Sister Dede Byrne captured the hearts of pro-lifers around the world at last summer's Republican National Convention.

"I'm not just pro-life," she proclaimed. "I'm pro-eternal life."

The longtime Army surgeon turned Catholic religious sister has served the marginalized in impoverished countries around the world.

"[But] while we tend to think of the marginalized as living beyond our borders, the truth is the largest marginalized group in the world can be found here in the United States," she said. "They are the unborn."

On Saturday, Sister Dede headlined a 40 Days for Life rally in frigid Washington, D.C.

"She again emphasized the importance of prayer and holiness," said Professor Michael New, the local campaign leader.

Sister Dede's presence was a big draw. Professor New described the event as "the largest 40 Days for Life rally that I have had the privilege to organize."

Attendees left fired up for the rest of the Lenten 40 Days for Life campaign.

Photo credits: Katie DiFrancesco

Budapest, Hungary

Halfway around the world, 40 Days for Life participants in Hungary hold vigil outside the hospital that does abortions in the nation's capital.

Hungary's pro-life leanings put the country at odds with most of the rest of the European Union. Vigil participants hope to make their country just the second in Europe to end abortion.

"The team is doing an excellent job, starting the campaign very well with a strong presence," noted 40 Days for Life Director of International Campaigns Robert Colquhoun.

Lawndale, California

Laura in Lawndale said first-time vigil participants are helping fill her vigil schedule.

"Thank you to everyone that came out today helping to ensure we covered all 12 hours of our vigil!" she told her volunteers. "Together, we are changing hearts and minds towards God and life!"

One new participant signed up for one hour--but ended up praying on the sidewalk for three hours.

Another volunteer was able to speak with and educate three different women about alternatives to abortion during her time at the vigil.

"The more people we have per hour, the more we can spread our presence around the building," Laura exhorted her team.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

—John 1:14

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love and saving grace in Christ Jesus. Help us to realize every day the great blessing we have in our Savior. I pray that we will rise every morning with excitement and zeal, looking forward to walking another day in your footsteps fully knowing that you continue to dwell among us.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life