Advertisement Daughters of CharityICN Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Poland: Campaign for persecuted Christians launching at WYD


Prayer, information and action for the suffering Church is the focus of a campaign being launched by a leading Catholic charity at World Youth Day in Poland later this month. Aid to the Church in Need will invite those taking part in the event in Krakow, Poland from 26th-31st July to show solidarity with oppressed and persecuted Christians.

The ACN 'Let's be One' campaign is an opportunity for all young people to connect with others who share their faith in the presence of the Pope.

ACN has collaborated with the production studio Catholic Radio and Television Network (CRTN) to produce several short videos reflecting a day in the life of young Catholics in such countries as Israel, Papua New Guinea, Iraq, Cuba, Kenya and Poland.

Describing the campaign, Mark von Riedemann, ACN's Director of Communications, said: "It is our call to be one with the suffering Church; but also that young people experiencing challenges to the Faith around the world are also united with us in Krakow through this campaign. They will join us in prayer, knowing that we are one body, one Church."

To provide a greater insight into the day-to-day realities for Christians in different countries CRTN has also been offered the opportunity to screen a selection of its documentaries and short productions at the Kijów cinema throughout WYD.

Father Waldemar Cisao, Director of ACN national office in Poland, described a key feature of the 'Let's Be One' campaign - a musical presentation titled 'Because of My Name'.

He said: "Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world. We cannot remain silent in the face of such suffering and cruelty. As word and music are one of the best means to reach young people, ACN decided to prepare for World Youth Day an oratorio (a piece of sacred music) called 'Because of My Name', dedicated to persecuted Christians.

"Nowadays young people are being told that faith is not important, that it is not fashionable.

"Meanwhile in many places around the world Christians are being forced to make a dramatic decision: to renounce Christ and save their life, or remain faithful. Very often, they chose the latter.

"With the oratorio, we want to show young people that Christ and faith are what is most important in lifeThis musical piece is also a call from ACN to those who rule this world not to be indifferent to the struggle of Christians who die for their Faith."

Composed by Piotr Rubik, from Poland, the oratorio will be presented at the Main Square in Krakow on Friday, 29th July after the Way of the Cross led by the Pope.

ACN has also been invited by the WYD Committee to take part in the Way of the Cross.

A group of 21 representatives from different countries will carry the Cross from the second to the third station: Jesus falls for the first time.

Mark von Riedemann said: "This visible sign of unity is the witness to our campaign 'Let's be One'."

Adverts

The Archbishop Romero Trust

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon