Every year Aid to the Church in Need hosts the Week of Witness®, a week of campaigning and prayer for persecuted Christians around the world. Red Wednesday® (On the 24th of November this year) is the central event of the Week of Witness.

By ACN Ireland

Red Wednesday is a day to gather and draw attention to the plight of those who are persecuted and oppressed for their religious beliefs. Cathedrals, churches and public buildings around the world will light up in red to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Red Wednesday is an initiative of Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic charity dedicated to the support of suffering and persecuted Christians. This year, Red Wednesday will take place on Wednesday, the 24th of November.

The persecution of Christians is reaching a crisis point. In terms of the number of people involved, the gravity of the acts committed, and their impact, not only are Christians more persecuted than any other faith group, but ever-increasing numbers are experiencing the worst forms of persecution.

The purpose of Red Wednesday is to join together and raise a strong voice in support of the persecuted who are unable to speak freely and who look to us - their brothers and sisters in Christ - to speak on their behalf.

How can I get involved with the week of witness & Red Wednesday? 

ILLUMINATING

Illuminate your Church or school in red to tell the world about the sacrifice and suffering of the persecuted and martyred Church.

WEARING

Wear a red tie, scarf or scapular as a mark of the blood lost by Christians all over the world in defence of our Faith.

PRAYING

Pray for the suffering and persecuted Church at the Angelus and during Holy Mass, asking your Parish Priest to consider giving his homily on the theme of persecution. You may also want to offer a Mass for the Persecuted Church. 100% of Mass offerings are sent to poor priests who will celebrate Mass for your prayer intentions.

BLESSING

Bless oneself in public when having a meal, passing a graveyard or a Church for all those around the world who cannot bless themselves in public for fear of their safety.

ATTENDING

Attend a Red Wednesday Prayer Vigil. The persecution of Christians is too often ignored. You can change this by knowing the stories of those who suffer and making those stories known. Join our mailing list to receive our weekly newsletter by email, follow us on social media and subscribe to receive our Mirror publication.

DONATING

Donate to ACN Ireland to help persecuted Christians globally – your donation of €21 per month will constitute a powerful corporal work of mercy and will help.

Christians are the most persecuted people in the world. Save lives, save souls, save the Faith through ACN Ireland