World Day of Prayer and Action for Children

This week the world marks two important days to recognize support for a child's right  to freedom from sexual abuse and other violence: November 20th is World Day of Prayer and Action for Children in  honour of  the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and November 19th is World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse.

The  World Day of Prayer and Action for Children  was first celebrated in 2008. In 2009, more than 9,000 people in 29 cities in 22 countries participated in the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children. In 2010, the World Day was celebrated in 47 countries through 69 events with more than 33,000 participants from around the world.

The logo for the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children features a stylized image of a child painting a rainbow in the sky. The rainbow in the design symbolizes the beautiful diversity of the human family; the many colors unite in a single rainbow to express the universal hope that all children will one day be able to grow to their full potential in a peaceful world. The child in the design is taking creative action to produce the rainbow, representing the inspired work of people of good will everywhere — especially the efforts of children and young people — to build a world fit for children. Our logo is meant to serve as a daily reminder of the spirit and vision of the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children.

In Brisbane I invite you to join this international campaign by coming to the shrine of St Mary MacKillop on Sunday November 20 between 11.30am and 12.00pm to light a prayer candle for the rights of children. If you are unable to be in Brisbane for this event you may like to join us in solidarity in your local community. See the facebook event to register your interest.