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It is this time of the year again, dear God our Father, when we your people unite with the Pope's official charity for persecuted Christians worldwide through the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) to celebrate Red Wednesday.
Yes, your Church continues to suffer persecution in various forms, some very subtle while in others very violent; but this year, we pray most specially not only for our Filipino martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Gospel but most of all for each one of us to be a living witness in taking the path of your Son Jesus Christ as one Church.
As we come to the closing of our 500 years of Christianization while preparing for the Synod of Bishops in 2023, help us to remember, celebrate, and promote oneness and unity in faith as we journey as one Church.
Banish all our fears, let us persevere amid the trials and persecution that come specially from those closest to us, those who refuse and continue to deny you, choosing a life of sin and evil.
Inflame us, O Lord, with your fire of love and zeal to always seek and stand by your truth and justice; let us not, through our stupid choices, face your "anger" or "fury" John saw in his vision at the "sea of glass mingled with fire" (Rev.15:1-4) and be denied entry for not being worthy. Amen.
