Originally published at National Catholic Register
It seemed especially fitting that the announcement came today, on the feast of St. Joseph.
When the news broke this morning, as reported in the Gothamist, that Planned Parenthood of Greater New York would close its flagship Manhattan facility at 26 Bleecker Street, citing financial pressures and mounting maintenance costs, I almost fell out of my chair.
This was no ordinary closure to me or to the countless others who’ve stood on those sidewalks in prayer. This was a moment of Divine intervention — a testament to the power of grace.
It seemed especially fitting that the announcement came today, on the feast of St. Joseph. St. Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family, embodies faithfulness, humility and silent strength. His life, marked by unwavering obedience to God and protection of the most vulnerable, mirrors the quiet, steadfast witness of those who’ve prayed outside the facility.
I’ve documented the quiet but unwavering presence of the Witness for Life and 40 Days for Life prayer vigils for over a decade. Month after month, year after year, through the biting chill of winter and the sweltering heat of summer, people of faith gathered there.
Hundreds of people gather to pray for the
