Did you know almost 340 million Christians today – or 1 out of every 7 – live in a country where they suffer some form of persecution?
This November, the Diocese of Parramatta joins Catholics around the world in a powerful show of solidarity for persecuted Christians as part of Red November, an international initiative organised by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
Red November, which culminates today on Red Wednesday, aims to raise awareness of the increasing violence, persecution, and human rights abuses faced by Christians worldwide.
Red Wednesday will be commemorated in more than 20 countries, with over 24 cathedrals across Australia and New Zealand lighting up in red, holding Masses, and hosting prayer events to support this crucial cause.
Persecuted and Forgotten? 2024 Report by the Aid to the Church in Need. Image: ACN.
Diocese of Parramatta events
In the Diocese of Parramatta, several parishes will mark Red November with Masses and prayer services to unite with the global Church in prayer for persecuted Christians. The following parishes are participating:
- Holy Cross & Holy Trinity Parish, Granville – Mass on Wednesday 20 November
- St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith – Mass on Wednesday 20 November
- St Aiden’s, Rooty Hill – Mass on Saturday 24 November
View an interactive map of all events here.
Bishop Vincent’s support
Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv has expressed his strong support for Aid to the Church in Need.
On 23 October, Bishop Vincent visited Aid to the Church in Need’s office in Penrith and celebrated Mass in the on-site chapel for ACN staff and volunteers.
Bishop Vincent spoke of the vital mission of ACN, noting the importance of keeping the flame of faith alive in places where it is most threatened.
“Aid to the Church in Need has long been described as a school of love,” Bishop Vincent said.
“Countless people have discovered and learned the essence of Christianity as they make spiritual and material offerings to help build a bridge enabling the suffering and persecuted Church to live and witness their own faith.”
“Today through this Mass, we are summoned to act in faith, hope and love for our persecuted fellow Christians,” he said.
Bishop Vincent said that like St Paul, we are “compelled to give heart to them by our prayers, acts of practical support and solidarity”.
“We might even consider being the benefactors and supporters of Aid to the Church in Need, so that we can bring into close relief those who are persecuted unjustly simply because of their faith, seen in those countries as contrary to the prevailing culture and the laws which enshrine it,” he said.
As a mark of the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to supporting persecuted Christians, the Diocese of Parramatta has donated $5,000 to ACN’s Dominican Republic Project, which supports Haitian Christian refugees seeking safety and refuge.
Bishop Vincent celebrates Mass at ACN’s offices in Penrith. Image: ACN.
A message of gratitude
Bernard Toutounji, National Director of Aid to the Church in Need Australia and New Zealand, expressed his deep appreciation for the Diocese’s support.
“We’re grateful to see the Parramatta Diocese and other dioceses across Australia embrace Red November,” said Mr Toutounji.
“It’s a powerful reminder to the ‘western’ world of the immense trials many Christians face simply for their faith. This display of solidarity is not only vital for raising awareness of their struggles but is a testament to the strength and unity of our faith communities here in Australia.”
During his visit to ACN’s office, Bishop Vincent was presented with the first copy of the newly-released Persecuted and Forgotten Report, which tracks the state of Christian persecution worldwide. This report highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Christians in many parts of the world and serves as a call to action for the global Church.
Engaging young people
ACN hosted a stall at the Diocese’s recent LIFTED Live in the Forecourt event, where it received a strong show of interest from local youth and young adults. The young people who gathered at LIFTED demonstrated their passion for supporting the persecuted Church, further strengthening the commitment of the next generation to stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters facing persecution.
ACN at LIFTED Live in the Forecourt, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: ACN.
How to get involved
This Red November, the Diocese of Parramatta invites all Catholics to reflect on the ongoing persecution of Christians around the world and to unite in prayer and action. Whether by attending Mass, participating in a local event, or simply offering a prayer for the persecuted Church – together we can make a difference.
