In response to the ongoing challenges faced in the Holy Land, the Pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has undertaken a meaningful initiative.
ACN has designed, produced, and distributed 1.5 million prayer cards, dedicated to promoting peace in the Holy Land and the broader Middle East.
Founded in 1947, ACN is a pastoral and spiritual foundation committed to supporting the Church in areas where it faces persecution and oppression.
The foundation has a long-standing history of work in the Middle East, particularly during recent years, supporting Christians in the face of adversity, such as the time of ISIS.
ACN has been actively involved in the construction of churches, convents, and schools, working towards the restoration and preservation of Christian communities.
ACN Director Bernard Toutounji emphasised the organisation’s primary focus on enabling Christians to remain in their homes in the Holy Land and the Middle East.
He stated, “These are the lands where the Lord Himself has walked, and they hold the foundation and history of Christianity.”
As part of their outreach efforts, ACN has dispatched a significant supply of holy cards to schools and parishes in Australia and New Zealand. The organisation invites the Catholic community to sincerely intercede for their brothers and sisters in these regions through prayer.
In response to the crisis in the Holy Land, ACN has launched an appeal for support, specifically targeting the Christian population in the region. The appeal aims to assist a thousand Christians in Gaza who are currently seeking refuge in the Holy Family Convent. More information on how to contribute to this cause can be found on the ACN website.
In a recent development, the National Director of ACN visited Syria and Lebanon to meet with beneficiaries. During their visit to the Syriac monastery, they had the opportunity to spend time with seminarians and discovered an icon in the monastery’s dining room. The icon, titled “Our Lady of Salvation,” holds significant importance for Syriac Catholics and was brought to Syria by their patriarch. This image has been placed on the front of each prayer card.
For those interested in requesting prayer cards for distribution or additional information, please contact ACN at 1800 101 201 or info@aidtochurch.org