November 23, 2021
News
On 24 November 2021, another Red Wednesday event will take place to show support for people who are persecuted, oppressed or otherwise disadvantaged because of their faith. The events taking place in the Czech Republic will not only commemorate the situation of the oppressed faithful, but the proceeds of the fundraiser will also go towards the renovation of the Christian mission by the Our Lady of the Hour Church in the ancient centre of Mosul.
#RedWednesday wraps buildings in red
The #RedWednesday initiative was launched in the UK in 2016, with the Czech Republic joining two years later. Its aim is to give a voice to those who cannot express themselves. This year, the focus is on women who are not only at risk because of their religion, but are also often subjected to sexual violence and overall worse treatment just because they are women.
Buildings illuminated with red light became the symbol of Red Wednesday. The British Parliament is one of the global icons that traditionally join in, while in the Czech Republic it includes the Petřín Tower, the Church of St. Nicholas on Old Town Square, as well as the St. Roch Chapel in Krnov and the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Horšovský Týn. Everyone can take part - by praying together or alone, remembering or lighting a candle.
Benefit concert in support of Iraqi Christians
The official events in the Czech Republic are held under the auspices of the Czech Bishops' Conference and you can take part in a joint ecumenical prayer, conference and benefit concert.
The central events will take place in Prague and will traditionally be opened by an international conference in the Patriotic Hall of Carolinum. Guests will include Lord David Alton, founding member of the global #RedWednesday initiative and member of the British Parliament, Head of the Dominican Rehabilitation Mission in Mosul, Iraq, Br. Olivier Poquillon OP, and Anna Záborská, the Slovak Government Commissioner for the Protection of Freedom of Religion.
At 6 pm, a joint Jewish-Christian prayer will take place in the Carolinum Grand Auditorium, followed by a joint procession through the red-lit buildings of Prague's Old Town.
It all culminates in a benefit concert at the Lichtenstein Palace of the Academy of Music and Performing Arts. Peter Eben's Labyrinth of the World and Paradise of the Heart will be performed. Tickets are still on sale and you can also watch a live broadcast of the concert on TV Noe. A live donation centre will be open during the concert, but anyone can also donate by text message or by making an immediate payment at darujme.cz. Proceeds from the concert will go towards the renovation of the Christian mission by the Our Lady of the Hour Church in the ancient centre of Mosul. The church itself, destroyed during the Iraq war, has already been rebuilt thanks to financial assistance from the United Arab Emirates, and the proceeds from the concert will help to rebuild the day-to-day operations of the mission.
Caritas Czech Republic has been working in Iraq for a long time
Caritas Czech Republic has been working in Iraq since 2015, focusing mainly on the area that used to be the cradle of Iraqi Christians. It helps people struggling with the consequences of the war to rebuild their homes or find new job opportunities, and the programme also includes support for school meals for children. We work with refugees, support farmers, and help women gain a voice. Pope Francis also supported Christians in Iraq during his visit to the country in March this year.
Anyone can support Iraqi Christians displaced from their homes during the civil war and all other persecuted believers during Red Wednesday. Whether you attend a public event, support the project financially, or give a silent remembrance or prayer, we thank you for your support.
