Dioceses urged to join global prayer initiative

CEBU, Philippines —  The Catholic Pontifical and charity foundation, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), has extended an invitation to dioceses around the world to participate in the annual prayer initiative "One Million Children Praying the Rosary."

The event, slated on October 18, aims to encourage parishes, families, catechists, schools, and teachers to unite in prayer for peace and unity worldwide.

Fr. Jaime Marquez, ACN Philippines administrator, stressed the importance of nurturing a deeper spiritual connection in children.

"As a responsibility to the young, we are invited to help bring our children closer to Mother Mary, to our Spiritual Father, Joseph, and ultimately, to Jesus Christ,” he said.

The campaign originated in 2005 in Caracas, Venezuela.

Since its inception, ACN has extended the initiative globally, with its direct involvement commencing in 2008 and full management since 2018.

Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, president of ACN International, underscored the significance of children praying the rosary and urged Catholics to ensure that as many children as possible partake in this prayerful endeavor.

“[W]e have come to believe that the Rosary is a God-given and necessary means that makes a decisive difference,” Piacenza said.

Piacenza encouraged the organization of prayer meetings in various settings, involving children's groups, schools, prayer groups, radio and television broadcasts, digital platforms, social media, and even within families. — Philippine Star News Service (CEBU NEWS)