It would always be a pleasant surprise to see Cardinal Raymond Burke praying at a 40 Days for Life vigil.

But what was truly surprising was WHERE he came to pray with the volunteers ? Split, Croatia!

Marija, the local leader in Split, called it ?a moment of grace.?

Cardinal Burke has long been considered a strong pro-life voice. And when he traveled to Split to talk about his new book, the people who organized his visit made it possible for him to pray at the vigil.

fall2016split3

?The cardinal prayed with us,? Marija said, and ?thanked those who prayed for their strong witness for the protection of life in front of the hospital ? and invited us to be persistent in praying.?

"I?ve been blessed over the years to take part in many public manifestations of prayer and witness to the invaluable dignity of human life, especially of the innocent, defenseless, unborn so I am happy to join you in this prayer,? Cardinal Burke told the volunteers.

?Certainly it remains always true that prayer is the most powerful weapon to combat evil in the world,? he added, ?so we pray that the great evil of procured abortion will be ended.?

fall2016split2

David Brandao, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

With 40 Days for Life, David wears many hats. Prior to joining the 40 Days for Life team, he was an award-winning radio and TV journalist. He has also served as a board member for a pregnancy help center and as publications director for a major national pro-life organization.