Press Release – For Immediate Release
On November 20, Aid to the Church in Need Canada (ACN) will observe Red Wednesday, an international event during which churches and other prominent buildings will be illuminated in red. This colour symbolizes the blood of Christian martyrs and enables ACN to shed light on the fact that many Christians are persecuted around the world, simply for their faith.
“A new report, Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians Oppressed for Their Faith, highlights the situation of Christians in 18 countries. It shows that in general, persecution against them is increasing,” says Marie-Claude Lalonde, national director of ACN Canada. “In Pakistan, school textbooks increasingly contain religious content against minorities, including Christians. In North Korea, it is estimated that between 50,000 and 70,000 Christians are imprisoned solely for their faith. Meanwhile, in Central America, the Nicaraguan government under Daniel Ortega is targeting the Church. Members of the clergy and religious communities have been forced into exile, detained arbitrarily, Catholic media has been banned, and educational institutions have been closed.”
For nearly a decade, ACN Canada has been inviting Canadian Catholics to stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in faith. “More and more people are learning about this human rights issue and want to show their support by organizing activities. This is very encouraging, and I am already grateful to everyone who will take the time to do something to commemorate Red Wednesday.”
Activities and Masses
On November 20, numerous buildings, primarily churches, will be illuminated in red. In Montreal, the facade of Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, and the dome of Saint Joseph’s Oratory will be illuminated in red for the occasion. At the Oratory, the 2:00 p.m. Mass in the crypt will be specially dedicated to persecuted Christians.
In Valcourt and Windsor, in the Eastern Townships, the Secteur des Vallées is organizing a full week of prayer activities from November 18 to 24. “Join us in prayer. Christian persecution is happening worldwide. The support of our prayers is important,” reads the invitation card. In Saguenay, the parish of Notre-Dame du Royaume will once again hold a special Mass this year at 2:30 p.m., inviting everyone to pray for persecuted Christians. Further west in Calgary, St. Bonaventure Parish will hold a Mass at 9:00 a.m.
In Montreal and Toronto, Masses will respectively be held at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral (5:00 p.m.) and St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica (5:30 p.m.). Most Reverend Christian Lépine, archbishop of the Diocese of Montreal, and Most Reverend Robert Kasun, CSB, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Toronto, will preside over the Masses. In Calgary, Most Reverend William T. McGrattan, bishop of the Diocese of Calgary and current president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), will preside over the Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 6:00 p.m.
“Register your participation on the event home page: https://acn-canada.org/rw/. The interactive map allows you to share your Red Wednesday project,” says Ms. Lalonde. “Last year, more than forty activities were listed on the site.”
Partners Across Canada
“ACN Canada is delighted to have the ongoing support of our partners, including Salt + Light Television, Radio VM, Ivan & Co. Lighting, and diocesan teams in Montreal and Toronto, all contributing to the success of this day,” concludes Ms. Lalonde.
For more information, please contact Valérie Vulcain, annual campaign coordinator at ACN Canada, at vv@acn-canada.org or by phone at 514-932-0552 (toll-free at 1-800-585-6333), ext. 227. In the Toronto area, you may contact Mrs. Evellyne Lemos at el@acn-canada.org or by phone at 416-785-0498.
