DETROIT — As Respect Life Month prepares to get under way next month, several pro-life events are planned to give witness to the Church’s vision of the dignity of the human person.

Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron will lead the faithful in a rosary vigil in front of two abortion clinics in Detroit and Eastpointe on Sept. 20.

The vigil, which begins with a 7:30 a.m. Mass at St. Veronica Church in Eastpointe, will include a peaceful, six-block rosary procession to two abortion clinics along East 8 Mile Road led by the archbishop, before returning for benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Veronica Church, at the corner of Universal and Toepfer.

Auxiliary Bishop Donald Hanchon will also lead a morning of reflection Sept. 27 to honor both National Hispanic Heritage Month and offer pro-life witness ahead of Respect Life Month in October.

The event, “Si a la Vida” (translated “Yes to Life”), is free and will include an 8 a.m. Mass followed by several speakers offering reflections and personal testimonies throughout the morning. The event, presented in both English and Spanish, will be at the Divine Mercy Center, 33826 Beaconsfield, Clinton Township.

Finally, the semi-annual 40 Days for Life campaign focusing on prayer, fasting and outreach will begin Sept. 24 outside the Womancare abortion clinic at 28505 Southfield Road in Southfield.

During the campaign, volunteers sign up to dedicate time to pray and fast in peaceful witness in front of the abortion clinic, and to intercede for mothers who are considering having an abortion.

According to the website of the national 40 Days for Life campaign, which began in 2007, since the campaign began, 8,973 unborn children have been spared, 101 abortion clinic workers have quit their jobs, and 54 abortion clinics have closed in 539 cities as a direct or indirect result.

Peter Riccardo, who is helping coordinate the Southfield vigil, said the 40 Days campaign is modeled after the 40-day periods God uses in Scripture to transform individuals and communities.

“Our Lord told us some demons can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. The two go hand in hand,” Riccardo said. “We are seeking to have individuals, churches and families join us as we pray for an end to abortion.

“We believe that when God’s people fast with a broken, repentant and contrite spirit, our heavenly Father will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, and our nation.”

For more information or to sign up for prayer vigil hours, call (248) 202-4903.