Lenten Campaign 2025
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On the Feast of St. Joseph, an article in the Gothamist about Planned Parenthood's recent decision to shut down its busy Manhattan clinic caused quite a stir on social media. My pro-life friends were the first ones to share the miraculous news. Peaceful "prayer warriors" have been kneeling in front of what was once Planned Parenthood's flagship clinic for decades -- "flagship" because it used to bear the name of the organization's founder Margaret Sanger.
Jeffrey Bruno, the photographer who captured the images in this piece's slideshow, has been a part of the pro-life efforts on the corner of Bleecker and Mott Streets for over a decade. He shared his reaction to the news on Facebook:
"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."
Bernadette Patel had a similar reaction; she's been a frequent subject of Bruno's work over the years because her unique brand of peaceful presence involves carrying a crucifix, wearing a pink vest, and offering to guide women away from the clinic. (Bruno's photos of her, by the way, were the inspiration for my new book Joan of Arkansas.) Patel was clearly overjoyed at the news as well:
"Words cannot describe.... Still in Shock.... Praise be Jesus.... Crying but joyful.... I can barely even process....After 6 years of sidewalk counseling and praying, 20 + arrests, multiple assaults, two police reports filed, multiple doxxing incidents, $200 dollars for eye damage caused by a protestor....The Bleecker Street Planned Parenthood is CLOSING!!!!!!!"
According to the article in the Gothamist, Planned Parenthood cited financial strain as their reason for shutting down the clinic that saw over 18,000 patients last year. They also stated that while they have no plans of opening another clinic in the immediate area, they do have locations in Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. The same reason was given when the organization shuttered four other clinics across the state in the past year. Once again, Bruno reacted to this news:
"This closure might seem like just another business decision, another casualty of financial strain to the outside world. But to those who've knelt on those sidewalks, who've poured out their hearts in prayer, it feels like something far more profound: a miracle — a moment when Heaven touched Earth, and the countless prayers of the faithful were answered."
St. Joseph, patron of many causes including pregnant women and the unborn -- thank you for praying for us and keep up the good work!
