Carrying the Light: A Red Wednesday Prayer Vigil
by Sydney Leila Reyes | The Paulinian
Photo by Stephanie Jacob | The Paulinian
United by faith and hope, Paulinians observed Red Wednesday to remember victims of religious persecution and oppression. On November 29th, we remembered and honored those who experienced all forms of discrimination for their religious beliefs—a form of injustice that is yet to receive a rightful international response. As St. Paul University Manila emulates its patron, a martyr, the University is one with the call of the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Philippines and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in embracing persecuted, oppressed, and needy Christians.
A Eucharistic Celebration was held on the morning of Red Wednesday. In the afternoon, a vigil, led by Rev. Florentino Galo Revilla, sought to join “everyone in prayer, beseeching heaven to grant relief and comfort to those who are enduring persecution, discrimination, violence, and intolerance.” Sr. Evangeline Anastacio, SPC, together with the SPC Sisters and the Paulinian community, gathered in front of the Chapel of the Crucified Christ at 5:00 P.M. Those present wore red shirts as a tribute to the blood shed by saints, martyrs, and persecuted religious.
The vigil began with an introduction by Mr. Icon Fernandez, inviting those who are present to remember that violence should not be overcome with violence, but rather through faith, hope, and the witness of God’s love. He called on Paulinians to forgive and pardon as a means of putting peace at the center of their faith. Brief video presentations from ACN Philippines provided information on the Red Wednesday initiative, accompanied by data on the rise of violence against Christians around the world. The Litany for Persecuted Church offered prayers for those who lost their lives for their faith, for those who continue to face this discrimination, and for those who may have lost a loved one to the injustices happening in society today. During the Candle Lighting Rites, led by Mr. Maynard Cornejo, the community lit their candles in preparation for the moment of powerful silence. They passed the flame from one person to another, symbolizing unity and resilience during challenging times. Shortly after, the facade of the Chapel was lit red and the Litany of Supplication called on Paulinians to “be the fire that kindles other fires.” “Blessed be the merciful,” they exclaimed.
Paulinians extended their hope for justice to the victims of religious persecution through song. Rev. Florentino shared that the vigil and celebration of Red Wednesday are only stepping stones toward the journey to freedom and justice for those persecuted and oppressed. Paulinians must continue to advocate for change not only through faith but through their actions as well.
The verses from the vigil’s invitation on the candle lighting rite said, “Who will carry the light if we do not? Who will carry the light if you do not?” These lines underscored the importance of an active response from the Christian community against these injustices. Red Wednesday does not simply remember and honor the lives of those who have passed; it calls on everyone to take action against this evil that has affected, is affecting, and will affect the Christian community. As discrimination persists, Paulinians left the Red Wednesday vigil reinvigorated, set to fortify and safeguard their faith. This day transformed them into agents of change, bearing the torch in the name of Christ.
