2025 Red Wednesday

On Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025, Catholics around the world will mark Red Wednesday, a day to remember Christians who suffer for their faith and to stand publicly for religious freedom, a basic human right often taken for granted.

As a Catholic and Pontifical Charity, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) draws our attention each year to poor, oppressed, and persecuted Christians. Red Wednesday is not meant to be a single event, but a moment of solidarity: a reminder that our brothers and sisters bear real wounds for following Christ.
​
This year, the Diocese of Calgary joins the global Church once again in prayer and witness. Whether gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Bishop McGrattan at 5 pm, participating in your own parish, or marking the day in your home and community, all are invited to take part.

Red Wednesday calls us to action:
​
ACN encourages Catholics to make a simple but visible act of solidarity. Every gesture shines a light on those whose stories are often hidden.

Here are ways to participate:

• Light your parish, home, or workplace in red, the colour that recalls Christian martyrdom.
• Attend or organize a Mass, rosary, or prayer vigil for persecuted Christians.
• Wear red, and invite others to join you.
• Include special readings or universal prayers in Mass.
• Share information about religious persecution using ACN materials.
• Raise awareness through social media using #RedWednesday.
• Support fundraising efforts that bring hope to vulnerable Christian communities around the world. Even the smallest contribution becomes part of a global witness of faith, hope, and charity.

Vertical Divider

Red Wednesday in the Diocese

Many parishes across the diocese are already preparing to gather in prayer. You are welcome to join any of the celebrations listed below, whether it’s your home parish or one nearby.

Red Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025

• St. Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary – Mass at 5:00 pm with Bishop William McGrattan
• Corpus Christi, Calgary – Mass at 6:30 pm
• St. Gabriel the Archangel, Chestermere – Rosary at 7:00 pm
• Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary – Mass at 9:00 am & 6:00 pm
• St. Bernard’s Church, Calgary – Rosary at 5:00 pm & Mass at 5:30 pm
• St. Cecilia’s Parish, Calgary – Rosary at 9:00 am & Mass at 6:00 pm, Adoration from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
• St. Luke’s Parish, Calgary – Mass at 8:00 am, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Rosary, and Benediction.
• St. John the Evangelist, Calgary – Mass at 11:15 am
• St. Bernadette, Calgary – Rosary at 8:40 am & Mass at 9:00 am
• St. Martha, Lethbridge – Mass at 9:00 am
• St. Paul’s, Airdrie – Mass at 9:00 am followed by Rosary