This Saturday thousands are expected to turn out in the nation’s capital to march for a cause that most people don’t know a lot about — the plight of persecuted Christians around the world.
The 2021 “March for the Martyrs” is the brainchild of Gia Chacón, who founded the non-profit organization, For the Martyrs” to raise awareness that Christian persecution is widespread. According to a recent report from Aid to the Church in Need, almost 340 million Christians — that’s one in eight — suffer some form of persecution, ranging in severity from harassment to murder.
“We believe knowledge inspires action— the more people who are aware of the crisis of Christian persecution, the more that can be done to aid the suffering faithful,” she told Aleteia.
Schedule for the March for the Martyrs:
- The events begin on Saturday, September 25 with a 3 pm “Kick-Off Rally on the National Mall. Speakers include Gia Chacón and music by Radiant Worship.
- The march begins at 4 pm, as participants walk from Mall to the White House.
- A “Night for the Martyrs,” begins at 6:30 pm, and will feature speeches by Gia Chacón and others activists for persecuted Christians, including Fr. Benedict Kiely, the Catholic priest and founder of Nasarean.org.
For more information, and to register for the march and the “Night for the Martyrs” visit the For the Martyrs website.
And today we celebrate...