We often hear about visitors bringing snacks to 40 Days for Life vigil participants. But this was a bit out of the ordinary.

The man who arrived at the Manhattan vigil with a tray of croissants at breakfast time on Monday was Cardinal Timothy Dolan!

The cardinal was in the neighborhood for a presentation at the Sheen Center nearby. He greeted Franciscan friars and seminarians, as well as a mother, daughter and aunt from Long Island who were praying outside Planned Parenthood.

?We attracted the attention of some Planned Parenthood staff and volunteers,? one vigil participant said, ?who watched as we mingled with Cardinal Dolan.?

There was also a sister from a nearby parish who engaged one of the volunteers in a conversation about sanctity of life. She said the young woman listened attentively.

fall2016nyc5

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.