These days, and especially here, it's hard to imagine that people can be discriminated, or worse, persecuted because of their faith. Unfortunately, reality isn't as such. Today, across the world, 327 million Christians live in a country where there is persecution at various degrees. Because of their faith, they endure discrimination, they get scorned, they get arrested, they get incarcerated, they get tortured and sometimes they even get killed. It is estimated that 75 % of acts of violence for religious reasons are perpetrated against Christians, which makes them the most persecuted group.
Instead of getting better, the situation is getting worst year after year. Among persecutors we find governments who fear the influence of the Church and try by all means to reduce Christians to silence. This is frequent in communist or totalitarian countries. We also find other religious groups who wish to eliminate Christians in order to become the only religious group of a region.
The persecuted find strength in our prayers which accompany them and that way they don't feel abandoned from the rest of the world.
Join the global movement on Red Wednesday on Nov. 20 to highlight the plight of persecuted Christians worldwide. Parishes are invited to participate on Red Wednesday by: illuminating the parish church in red, organize liturgy or prayer (Mass, evening prayer, rosary, or other prayer service), wear a red piece of clothing, light a candle in our chapel or church and pray for persecuted Christians, and use social media to spread the word about the event.
- Register your parish’s or school's participation, and download Red Wednesday resources at acn-canada.org/rw
- Save the date: You are invited to attend the Red Wednesday Mass on Nov. 20 at 6 pm at St. Mary's Cathedral with Bishop McGrattan, followed by a social gathering with food and drinks in the Parish Hall.
