Every day, across the world, many of our brothers and sisters are unjustly persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and Aid to the Church in Need are working in partnership to mark Red Wednesday throughout all parishes, schools and communities in our Archdiocese.
You are invited to join the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and participate in Red Wednesday, a day dedicated to praying for, and standing in solidarity with, Christians who face increasing violence, torture and often death for their peacefully held faith in Jesus Christ.
Red Wednesday is an initiative of the papal charity Aid to the Church in Need, dedicated to providing material and spiritual support to the persecuted Church.
Two-thirds of the world’s population live in countries where there are serious violations of religious freedom. We hear more stories of people bearing witness to their faith in horrific circumstances. Many of those families have found refuge and a new home in our city and surrounds.
By joining this international campaign, we can express something of being one Body of Christ, committing ourselves to being God’s hope-bearers and peacemakers in our world.
For further information, visit www.aidtochurch.org/RedWednesday.
Red Wednesday Prayer Vigil
All are welcome to St Patrick’s Cathedral for a Prayer Vigil with Exposition:
Wednesday 23 November 2022 at 7.30pm
St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Cathedral Place, East Melbourne
Joining many other cathedrals and churches around the world, St Patrick's Cathedral will be floodlit in red on this night.
Parish resources
Parishes are invited to celebrate their usual Mass on this day or hold another event for the intentions of persecuted Christians. You could even invite parishioners to wear red clothing.
Further information and resources, including a prayer card and suggested intercessions for the prayer of the faithful, can be downloaded below.