RED WEDNESDAY. The St. Nicolas of Tolentino Parish Church in Dauin, Negros Oriental is lit up in red in this file photo taken in 2020 to celebrate Red Wednesday. The event is held to pay tribute to the persecuted Christians and the suffering church. (Photo courtesy of the St. Nicolas de Tolentino Parish)
DUMAGUETE CITY – The Diocese of Dumaguete, headed by Bishop Julito Cortes, celebrated the “Red Wednesday” to pay tribute to the persecuted Christians worldwide.
The activity was initiated by the Papal Charity, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), and approved by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in remembrance of and as a day of prayer for persecuted Christians and the suffering church.
“In the previous years, ACN-Philippines has been tackling issues of religious persecution as the highlights for the Red Wednesday campaign,” Cortes said in a letter addressed to the clergy and consecrated persons.
He said that this year, two important events are taking center stage along with the Red Wednesday celebration.
These are the culmination of the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines celebration and the preparation for the Synod of Bishops in 2023.
“This year, we pay tribute to the Filipino martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Gospel, as well as paying homage to the preparation of the Synodal aim to take the path of Christ as one Church,” Cortes said.
Activities for Red Wednesday include masses dedicated to the persecution of Christians, lighting the facade and institutions with red light, wearing red, the lighting of candles, special prayers like Taize, and a special collection to assist CAN-Philippines’ programs.
The theme for this year is "Red Without Fear: The Church Journeying As One". (PNA)
