Foundation hopes kids, parents worldwide will pray the rosary on Oct. 18

The Philippine chapter of international Catholic pastoral charity and pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has invited parishes, schools, and families in the country to join a worldwide campaign to pray the rosary for world peace.

"One Million Children Praying the Rosary" will be held at San Jose Academy in Navotas City on October 18, Thursday, at 9 a.m., with children leading the prayer.

However, the foundation also urges devotees to pray the rosary wherever they are.

Due to time zones, the worldwide event will be a two-day affair, as ACN has designated the rosary praying to start at 9 a.m. on October 18.

"Two days for you to pray the Rosary with the children. Help us prepare the children to pray together with tens of thousands of other children around the world on the 18th of October. Wherever you are, at exactly 9:00 a.m., let us all together pray the Rosary for unity and peace," the foundation said in a post on Facebook. 

According to ACN Philippines' website, the idea for the campaign was created in Venezuela in 2005, based on Padre Pio's words, "When one million children pray the rosary, the world will change."

October 18 was chosen as the date of the activity because October "is traditionally the month of the rosary," while the 18th is the feast day of St. Luke the Evangelist.

In a report on Balitanghali on Tuesday, Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said that he fully supports the campaign.

"I do sincerely believe that the Lord listens to the children and that the prayer of the children is very powerful," he said. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News