This October, Catholic children around the world will once again raise their voices in prayer for peace. The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has announced the 20th edition of its One Million Children Praying the Rosary campaign, inviting the faithful to join in prayer “for peace and unity in a world wounded by division, conflict, and suffering,” according to Catholic News Agency.
A Movement Born in Venezuela
The campaign traces its roots to Caracas, Venezuela. On Oct. 18, 2005, a group of laypeople brought together children to pray the rosary in public squares. Witnesses recalled that “it seemed like glitter appeared on the children’s hands while they were praying,” which was taken as a sign from heaven to spread the initiative further, according to the campaign’s general coordinator, Ayeila Bello (Catholic News Agency).
That simple act of faith quickly grew into a national movement. With the support of the Venezuelan Conference of Laity, the campaign spread to schools and parishes, anchored in the desire to “evangelize children and young people through Christian values and the devotions of the Catholic Church,” Bello explained (CNA).
Spreading Across the Globe
With ACN’s support, the prayer initiative has expanded far beyond Venezuela. Father Anton Lässer, ecclesiastical assistant for ACN, urged the faithful to join children in prayer during the first week of October, especially on Oct. 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
He described the unique spiritual strength of this effort: “Children’s prayer has a special power before God, a power that can break down walls, heal wounds, and bring light to darkness” (CNA).
A Call for Peace and Communion
Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, international president of ACN, highlighted the urgency of the campaign amid today’s turmoil. “In a time when the silence of prayer is too often drowned out by the noise of the world, the rosary offers an oasis of contemplation,” he said. “It is not a dry or repetitive practice but a gentle and powerful path that leads us to the heart of the Gospel” (CNA).
Cardinal Piacenza also prayed that the campaign would deepen unity within the Church: “Let us pray together that the bonds of ecclesial communion, both affective and effective, may be strengthened and that the Holy Spirit may awaken in the hearts of young people a sincere desire for holiness” (CNA).
Joining the Campaign
Families, schools, and parishes are encouraged to take part in this global wave of prayer. Participants may register on the official campaign website, where ACN has made resources available in several languages. By registering, groups also help the organizers “get an idea of how many children are officially participating in the event” (CNA).
As the 20th anniversary approaches, the heart of the campaign remains the same: children, with childlike trust, turning to Mary and asking for peace in a world that longs for it.
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