The Catholic Church observes Nov. 23 as Red Wednesday in support of Christians around the world who suffer from discrimination because of their faith.
The observance likewise seeks to promote the Church, particularly in countries where Christians are persecuted and ostracized.
“Red is a significant symbol of martyrdom for those who have risked their lives for their faith. Many Christians are persecuted up to this day simply for standing by what they believe in,” said Monsignor Pedro Gerardo Santos, chief operating officer of the Aid to the Church in Need Philippines over Radio Veritas.
“Red is a very important symbol for us Christians. It symbolizes the fire of the Holy Spirit. It symbolizes the power of love as well as the blood of martyrs,” the Church leader said.
The theme for this year’s commemoration of Red Wednesday is “Blessed are the Persecuted” to highlight the need to provide much-needed support for persecuted Christians around the world.
Msgr. Santos called on the faithful to help those who suffer from persecution because of their faith.
The Red Wednesday campaign was initiated by Aid to the Church in Need – United Kingdom in 2016 in honor of all Christians who suffer and die for their faithfulness to Christ’s message of peace and love.
The Philippines started the observance of Red Wednesday in 2017. In 2020, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) approved the annual observance of the Red Wednesday Campaign. Many churches in the country illuminate their façade with red lights in commemoration of the event.