Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Candles lit up Maitland Avenue in Altamonte Springs on October 13 as people from various faiths gathered to pray against Amendment 4. Despite the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the event drew a significant crowd. The gathering was organized by Mark Romagosa, leader of the 40 Days for Life campaign in Altamonte Springs, and Tina Stafstorm, executive director of Life Choices Medical Clinic.

Although Mark Romagosa could not attend, his wife Angie represented him. She stated, “Mark thought a prayer vigil was a great way to get people together. There’s something about the ambiance of candlelight that brings people together. It’s holy and respectful.”

The event aimed to unite those who pray outside an abortion clinic next to Life Choices. With Amendment 4 approaching on the November ballot, Romagosa and Stafstrom collaborated with Pro-Life Action Ministries to organize this vigil.

Originally scheduled for Friday night, the vigil was moved to Sunday due to the hurricane. Addressing over 100 attendees, Stafstrom said, “We are one body in Christ. We are here to be in joint prayer... that life is a gift from conception to natural death.”

Dr. Joseph Savona attended with his wife due to his “faith in God and for the life of everyone.” The Kime family from First Baptist Church also participated; Luke Kime shared his belief: “I’m pro-life because God’s prolife.”

Les Philip from Life Choices’ board expressed his hope that the vigil would raise awareness about Amendment 4: “Amendment 4 is not just about abortion... It’s going to take a concerted effort by us and all the people who are here to defeat it.”

Father David Scotchie concluded the vigil with a blessing and expressed gratitude for life: “I’m grateful for the abundant life that God gives us.” Nativity Parish plans another Vigil for Life on October 20.