Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) announced on May 8 the annual "One Million Children Praying the Rosary" event set for October 18, 2024, inviting global participation for peace and unity.  

Dioceses, parishes, schools, religious communities, families, and individuals worldwide are invited to take part in the event online. In Canada, a virtual Microsoft Teams event will take place Friday evening, with members of the ACN Canada team and with children who have registered, along with their parents or educators. 

“On October 18, I invite all Catholics in Canada to pray for unity and peace with children around the world,” says Marie-Claude Lalonde, national director of ACN Canada. “Our office will be holding a virtual event at 7 p.m. Several other ACN national offices will also be inviting children to pray the Rosary that day.” 

This international prayer campaign was launched in 2005 in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. When a group of children were seen praying the Rosary at a roadside shrine, those present were reminded of the words of Saint Padre Pio: “When one million children pray the Rosary, the world will change.” The campaign quickly spread around the world. ACN has supported the campaign since 2008 and is now in charge of coordinating the global event. 

Save the date! How to participate?  

Consider: 

-  Taking part in the virtual event organized by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Canada on Friday, October 18 at 7 p.m. by registering at: https://Onemillionchildrenprayingtherosary.eventbrite.ca 

-  Scheduling a time to pray the Rosary in your parish, school, religious community, home, with family or friends, etc. Make your intentions known to Ms. Valérie Vulcain, annual campaign coordinator, at vv@acn-canada.org or by calling 1-800-585-6333, ext. 227, who will be happy to provide you with materials, such as a poster and flyer, to help organize your activity. 

-  Sharing this information with people in your network.    

Wherever you may be on October 18, we invite you to pray the Rosary in solidarity with children around the world!