The Christmas tree, decked out in 17,000 red lights and 2,500 ribbons, was lit red, symbolizing the thousands of Christians who are persecuted worldwide every year.
Aid to the Church in Need
Brooklyn Diocese to Host Christmas Tree Lighting
Tonight at 5 pm, parishioners of the Brooklyn Diocese will gather together at Grand Army Plaza to usher in the Advent season and remember the world’s persecuted faithful with the lighting of the diocesan Christmas tree.
Victims of Christian Persecution Remembered at ‘Night of Witness’ Service
A chalice from a Catholic parish in Qaraqosh, in the Nineveh Plains of Iraq, scarred by bullets from Islamic State militants was a mute witness at a vespers service for Christian martyrs.
Analysis: Pope Francis to Visit Asia as it Faces ‘Unholy Trinity’ of Christian Persecution
Pope Francis has said that Asia would be a priority in his pontificate, and he will be visiting the region again next month, when he visits Japan and Thailand in November. The pontiff has spoken about a desire in his youth to serve as a missionary in Asia, but he never got the opportunity with the Jesuits.
Church in Syria and Iraq Could ‘Vanish’ if Islamic State Regroups, New Report Claims
A new report says Christians are faring better in conflict-ravaged regions in the Middle East, but the precarious situation means the Church could vanish in places like Syria and Iraq if the Islamic State mounted another campaign in the region.
Organization Honored for Helping Persecuted Christians Around the World
The Path to Peace Foundation chose to honor the papal foundation Aid to the Church in Need for its work in providing support and resources to persecuted Christians.
Visiting Nigerian Bishop Hopeful About Peace
On a 10-day U.S. tour to raise awareness about life in Muslim-dominated northern Nigeria, Bishop Matthew H. Kukah of Sokoto Diocese, visited Nigerians in Brooklyn to talk about the need for education, solidarity and prayers. The tour was sponsored by Aid to the Church in Need.