Caceres supports Red Wednesday Campaign

By Natalie Hazel P. Quimlat The Philippine Catholic Church, through the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBPC), joined the Red Wednesday Campaign last November 22. This is in support for the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the Pontifical Foundation catering to Christians who have suffered and were persecuted because of their faith. The campaign has been initiated in 2016 not only to increase awareness for persecution of Christians around the world but also to encourage and call everyone to make a stand for their faith. Cathedrals, Minor Basilicas and National and Diocesan Shrines were to illuminate their facades in red, as a symbol of martyrdom. The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) National Advocacy Commission (NAC) also showed its support for the Red Wednesday Campaign, as it “continues to advocate for life, peace and justice”. School buildings were requested to be lit in red or to have red banners or flags. In addition, students were also highly encouraged to wear red in commemoration and solidarity with the persecuted Christians. According to CEAP-NAC Chairperson Fr. Rex Andrew Alarcon, “Through this, we advocate for faith and freedom. By participating in the Red Wednesday Campaign, we also express our solidarity with the Church.” In the Archdiocese of Caceres, a eucharistic celebration presided by Caceres Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona has been offered at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, five-thirty in the afternoon. In addition, red flags were put in front of the Cathedral.