Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

On October 18, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) will hold its annual "One Million Children Praying the Rosary" campaign. The event invites children, families, parishes, catechists, and teachers to participate by reciting the rosary and pledging their intention on ACN's website, millionchildrenpraying.org. The site offers prayer kits and reflections in 15 languages.

Edward Clancy, ACN’s U.S.-based director of outreach, emphasized the importance of unity and prayer for peace amid global conflicts. "There are so many hot spots in the world," Clancy told OSV News. "It’s really a time when the Church needs to be united and we need to pray for peace."

The campaign has been ongoing since 2005 and is traditionally held on October 18, the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. This year, it coincides with a Friday when Catholics traditionally recite the Sorrowful Mysteries of Christ's passion and death. "The Sorrowful Mysteries are the ones we should be praying during these current conditions," Clancy noted.

Currently partnered with organizations like the Shrine of Fatima and Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, ACN initiated this campaign in Venezuela during Hugo Chavez's leadership. Inspired by a quote attributed to St. Pio of Pietrelcina—“When one million children pray the rosary, the world will change”—the initiative aims to harness children's innocence and sincere prayers for global intercession.

Clancy highlighted that children's prayers are especially effective due to their innocence and sincerity: “Our Lady is a mother. And what did Jesus say? ‘Bring the children to me’ (Mt 19:14, Mk 10:14, Lk 18:16). It is about young people...the ability for them to overcome so much.”

Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, ACN International president, along with Father Anton Lässer encourage organizing rosary prayers on October 18 in schools or online gatherings. Clancy expressed hope that people realize they can make a difference through prayer.