Throughout November, the Diocese of Parramatta joins more than 30 dioceses across Australia and New Zealand, including every Archdiocese and four of the Eastern Catholic eparchies, in prayer and solidarity with Christians who face violence, discrimination and persecution because of their beliefs.
Red November is a global initiative led by Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), inviting people of faith to remember and pray for Christians who suffer for their beliefs. This year every Catholic Archdiocese across Australia and New Zealand will come together in prayer and solidarity.
ACN’s recently released Persecuted and Forgotten? 2024-2026 report reveals that about 220 million Christians were directly exposed to persecution in 2023, with oppression worsening in more than half of the countries surveyed.
As part of the initiative, cathedrals, churches, schools and homes are illuminated in red, the colour of martyrdom, as a visible sign of remembrance. Catholics are also encouraged to pray the Red Rosary, dedicating each decade to a different continent where Christians face persecution.
Cardinal Mykola Bychok C.Ss.R., ACN’s Red November Ambassador, encourages Catholics to offer Masses and prayers throughout the month to strengthen those who continue to practice their faith under threat.
“May our prayer, our public witness and our practical support remind our persecuted brothers and sisters that they are not alone,” he said.
Through Red November, Catholics are invited to stand alongside persecuted Christians, remembering their suffering and drawing inspiration from their courage and enduring faith.
By MO Media Team
Red November: Pray for persecuted Christians
Aid to the Church in Need invites all Catholics to pray, support and act for persecuted Christians throughout Red November. Register today and receive a free prayer card and complimentary pair of Rosary beads, handmade by Christians in Syria. To join us in prayer, scan the QR code, or visit rebrand.ly/RedNovemberRosary
About Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)
Aid to the Church in Need is the only international Catholic charity dedicated to the service of suffering Christians wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need. Founded in 1947, ACN is a pontifical foundation and provides vital aid for pastoral projects, religious education, and emergency relief in areas affected by conflict and poverty. For many years we have partnered with parishes to share news of our work in bulletins to let parishioners know about these projects. ACN operates solely on benefactor donations, with no funding from Church or State. Learn more on our website: www.aidtochurch.org
