by Amy Reinhardt
Special to The Leaven
OVERLAND PARK — For the first time ever, Church of the Ascension here will host an all-night vigil starting June 27 at 9 p.m.
Entitled “Two Hearts – Night of Love,” the event is the brainchild of Terry Malnar, a longtime Ascension parishioner.
The idea came to Malnar after she began reading, meditating and journaling on the book “Night of Love” by John Haffert in October 2024.
“From the moment I started reading, it hit me,” she said.
She felt a strong call to organize a vigil to celebrate the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Haffert’s “Night of Love” speaks to the importance of all-night vigils and how they are powerful tools used to save lost souls.
Since Our Lady of Fatima’s well-known apparition in 1917, Mary has pleaded for the conversion of sinners and reparation for sins.
In 1960, the bishop of Fatima encouraged bishops throughout the world to participate in an all-night vigil, either at Fatima or in their home dioceses.
St. John the Baptist, a parish in New York City, hosted its first vigil in 1969 and continued to do so monthly for the next 50 years. Its tradition inspired countless other churches.
Fasting is instrumental for conversion and a key part of the all-night vigil.
Laura Egan was at the movies with Malnar and a few others when she heard about the all-night vigil. Her response was immediate.
“It was so instantaneous. It didn’t occur to me to say anything but yes,” she said.
Malnar and Egan have become solid partners through the journey of planning and organizing this vigil.
Participants will have access to Mass, reconciliation, the Stations of the Cross, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and much more.
The rosary will play a significant role during the vigil. The rosary meditations will be followed by spoken reflections and silent prayer.
“We wanted time for personal reflection after meditating on the rosary. Time to sit and ponder,” said Egan. “You never know what’s going to speak to someone.”
There will be a variety of volunteers during the course of the 12-hour program. Egan and Malnar will each share a personal testimony.
There is still time to register. Send an email to: terrymalnar@gmail.com or lauracegan12@gmail.com. Attendees will receive a rosary from Medjugorje, while supplies last.
“Our goal is to glorify the 350th anniversary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary and answer Mary’s call to save souls,” said Malnar.
