Manila Cathedral to Host ‘Red Wednesday’ Mass on November 29

Manila – The Manila Cathedral is preparing to host a Mass on November 29 for the annual ‘Red Wednesday’ event, dedicated to raising awareness about the persecution of Christians globally. This year’s theme is ‘Embracing Persecuted, Oppressed, and Needy Christians.’

According to Philippines News Agency, the Mass will be led by Msgr. Bernardo Pantin, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, at 6 p.m. The event is intended to unite people in prayer for Christians currently facing persecution and hardship. Fr. Jaime Marquez, administrator of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Philippines, has encouraged the clergy and the faithful to participate in the event. He also suggested illuminating or decorating Church buildings, schools, hospitals, houses, and other institutions in red, and wearing red as a symbol of solidarity. The ACN, a Catholic charity supporting persecuted Christians, initiated the “Red Wednesday” campaign in 2015. The organization estimates that around 250 million Christians worldwide live in conditions of severe persecution, discrimination, or restricted practice of their faith.