How a parish testimonial sparked a lifelong commitment to 40 days for life
When I interviewed Deacon Christopher Hammond, it became obvious that his journey with 40 Days for Life unfolded as a powerful testament to faith and commitment. His involvement began in the fall of 2008, but his passion for the pro-life cause was ignited much earlier. Before that pivotal moment, he had always opposed abortion but had never engaged as a public witness.
Deacon Christopher recalled the moment that changed everything: a heartfelt testimonial by Lisa Martin, the coordinator of 40 Days for Life at his parish. One morning at Mass, her words resonated deeply with him and his friend, compelling them to sign up for an hour-long vigil. "That initial hour turned into countless hours," he shared. "I kept coming back as much and as often as possible."
Particularly cherished were the silent vigils during the middle of the night, a time once encouraged by the campaign. Deacon Christopher described those nocturnal vigils as some of the most serene and prayerful moments he had ever experienced, second only to Eucharistic Adoration.
Participating in 40 Days for Life was one of his first substantial ministries. At that time, he had only been Catholic for about five years and was a father to three small children, who demanded most of his attention. Now, with four children, his involvement in various ministries has grown. His journey culminated in his ordination as a deacon in July of 2023. He currently serves at the tri-parish community of Sacred Heart in Groton, St. Mary's in Groton and Our Lady of Lourdes in Gales Ferry, assisting Father Brian Maxwell with many of their parishes' pro-life ministries.
Since 2017, Deacon Christopher's commitment has extended to the national stage. Almost every January, he travels to Washington, D.C., for the national March for Life, often accompanied by at least one of his children. Additionally, he and his children have participated in each of the three Connecticut Marches for Life in Hartford.
One of the most gratifying aspects of these activities is witnessing how fully his children have embraced the pro-life cause. Not only do they attend events with him, but they also embody the pro-life perspective in their daily lives. His daughter Martha frequently gives powerful pro-life testimonials at Mass, leaving congregations speechless with her authenticity. Deacon Christopher vividly remembers the day his son John Paul shared the news of the Dobbs decision with him. His son's elation was palpable as he credited the decision to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with an "assist to St. John the Baptist." For Deacon Christopher, the pro-life cause is central not just to his life as a Catholic but also to his role as a husband and father.
Deacon Christopher's involvement with 40 Days for Life has been transformative. What began as a tentative step into public advocacy has grown into a profound ministry, deeply woven into the fabric of his life and that of his family. It has nurtured his faith, shaped his vocation, and strengthened his resolve to stand for the sanctity of life. The campaign's focus on prayer, fasting, community outreach, and peaceful vigil has not only aimed to end abortion but has also fostered a deeper sense of purpose and unity within their parish community.
Through 40 Days for Life, Deacon Christopher has witnessed firsthand the power of collective prayer and peaceful protest. The serenity of those midnight vigils, the solidarity at the March for Life, and the heartfelt testimonials at Mass have all played a part in affirming the sanctity of life. Each year, as he stands in silent prayer or marches alongside his children, he is reminded of the profound impact that one person’s testimony can have, just as Lisa Martin’s words moved him all those years ago.
In a world often fraught with division, 40 Days for Life stands as a beacon of hope and compassion, demonstrating that change begins with each one of us. Deacon Christopher's story is but one among many, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us. This serves as a wonderful example for all of us as we are about to embark on another 40 Days for Life campaign. This year, our campaign runs from Sept. 25 through Nov. 3, with an opening Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sept. 24 at 6:30 PM. All parishes are encouraged to adopt a day per church so as to give parishioners an opportunity to discover the substantial spiritual growth that Deacon Christopher Hammond and his family have experienced. Watch for your parish announcements.
By Deacon Mark Desrosiers