Will more than a million children pray the Rosary for peace? 

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The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need is hoping to exceed last year’s milestone of more than a million children praying the Rosary for peace in the world’s conflict zones.  

Aid to the Church in Need’s 19th One Million Children Praying the Rosary initiative is scheduled for October 18th. 

Last year, the charity’s goal of a million participants was reached for the first time – and in 2024, ACN wants to see even more young people taking part. 

ACN UK’s National Director Caroline Hull said that the charity is “hoping to surpass last year’s record of 1,039,628 children praying the Rosary for peace around the world.” 

She added, “We would like to invite all our friends and benefactors here in the UK and beyond to encourage all the children they know to join this powerful initiative inspired by Our Lady of Fatima.” 

This year’s motto, “Pray the Rosary and there will be peace,” places at the center of the campaign the request of Our Lady of Fatima in 1917.  

Through this initiative, ACN is also participating in the Symphony of Prayers campaign, which Pope Francis called for on the occasion of the 2024 Year of Prayer – and which also paves the way for the 2025 Jubilee Year.   

In a statement, Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, President of ACN International, and Father Anton Lässer, ACN International’s Ecclesiastical Assistant, wrote that everyone should “apply strength and imagination, so that in as many places as possible. prayer meetings can take place…Go to children’s groups, schools, prayer groups, radio and television, digital platforms, social media…and win over your own children and grandchildren for the prayer of the Rosary.” 

Since first being organized in Caracas, Venezuela in 2005, the One Million Children Praying the Rosary campaign has taken place every year on October 18th. 

For those looking for additional information and resources, there are free materials online, including coloring pictures for children. To register for the event, please visit https://acninternational.org/millionchildrenpraying.