CHURCHES are being lit up to mark 'Red Wednesday', which highlights the persecution of Christians worldwide.
Fr John Murray, parish priest at St Patrick's Church in Downpatrick, which is taking part in the initiative for the first time, said the red illumination was a reminder "that Christians continue to shed their blood for their faith".
"When one Christian suffers, the whole Church suffers because we are the body of Christ," he said.
"We want everyone to know about this terrible price some pay for their belief in Jesus Christ.
"It is horrifying that just a few weeks ago three people were murdered in Notre-Dame Basilica in Nice.
"Too often this persecution is hidden and not highlighted. Let us shine a light in this darkness."
St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh has taken part in the initiative previously and last night hosted a special service led by Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin.
He said that the Covid-19 restrictions on everyday life - including, from tomorrow in Northern Ireland, church attendance - should be a reminder to pray for those who are never free to worship and who are imprisoned for their faith.
"So many people in our world today do not have freedom to worship and practice their faith without fear and intimidation - many live under constant threat on account of their faith," he said.
"Perhaps the Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us of how important it is to be able to gather freely for public worship.
"Here in Ireland and in other countries we miss deeply being temporarily restricted from gathering as Church to praise God and to be present with those who are isolated, suffering or bereaved.
"At a time of distress like the current pandemic it is vitally important to us to be able to show solidarity with one another and to be together in praise of God.
"Perhaps at times we have taken this right for granted. The temporary closure of our churches in Ireland has given us a sense of what it must feel like for Christians to be forbidden ever to gather for worship."
The Red Wednesday initiative is led by Aid to the Church in Need. As well as inviting churches and other public buildings to light up their exteriors in red, it encourages people to wear an item of red clothing.
"I also invite you to pray for Christians all over the world who continue to be challenged, attacked, displaced or even murdered for their faith," said Archbishop Martin.
"Think especially this year of the many Christians throughout the world who are arbitrarily and unjustly detained for their faith as prisoners of conscience, sometimes subjected to inhumane conditions and even forced to choose between their faith and their freedom."
More about Red Wednesday here.
Fr John Murray will lead an online prayer service on Saturday November 28 at 7.30pm. He will be assisted by lay people Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly and singer Mary McCabe. It can be accessed from here.
