Hundreds of school pupils have shown the world they care for our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters by taking part in a #RedWednesday Mass.

Around 300 primary and secondary students worshipped together at St Chad’s Cathedral today, Wednesday 20 November.

Along with thousands of others across the country they joined the annual #RedWednesday campaign hosted by the charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Two live streams for schools were hosted this morning by The Mark 10 Mission, in collaboration with the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT), as part of the day’s activities, which also includes raising funds for displaced young Christians.

Today’s Schools Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley, and Lorraine McMahon, ACN Head of Community Outreach, was also in attendance to thank all the schools in person for their support.

The Mass planning and music was provided by St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School & Sixth Form, Kings Norton. Access Mass booklet

Archbishop Bernard opened his Homily with:

Dear friends, I am very grateful to you for being with us today from so many school communities across the Archdiocese. Thank you for being prepared to stand with me in solidarity with suffering Christians in many troubled parts of the world. Red Wednesday is our opportunity as a Catholic community to raise awareness of the sufferings of fellow Christians and many others who are being persecuted for their faith.

Aid to the Church in Need’s Red Wednesday campaign also challenges us to show the world that we care for our Christian brothers and sisters. In countries where Christians communities are attacked, it is ordinary families and especially the children who are the victims. This year, Aid to the Church in Need’s aim is to give real hope to Christian children growing up in refugee camps or temporary shelter, with no home, no security and no hope for the future, as well as other children suffering the many effects of violence and discrimination.

Read Homily in full

ACN’s #RedWednesday campaign challenges us to show the world that we care for our Christian brothers and sisters.

Archbishop Bernard also recorded a special video message in the run up to today. 

ACN host #RedWednesday

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