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Members of the Darca Club studying.

With students going back to school next week, we're sharing this heart-warming story of a group of Portuguese girls who buckled down to work to raise hundreds of pounds so Ukrainian children could attend summer camps this year.

Members of the Darca Club, a students’ organisation linked to Opus Dei, undertook a sponsored study to raise money for ACN.

The plight of Ukrainian children, suffering almost daily attacks by Russia since the full-blown invasion in 2022, touched the hearts of the Portuguese students, who decided to offer help.

Through hard graft, the Darca girls raised more than €500 (c. £433) which enabled 285 young people from four parishes in the Kamyanets-Podilsky Diocese, in western Ukraine to attend ACN-backed summer camps providing good fun and catechesis.

Read the full article>>

ACN IN ACTION

NIGERIA APPEAL

Brave: Seminarian Pius Benjamin

Priests in northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt are targeted for their faith. They face a constant threat of violence and even being kidnapped.

In Kaffin Koro, northern Nigeria, parish priest Father Isaac Achi was killed in an arson attack, an event that would have left many of us scarred, and in fear, but one young man decided that Fr Achi's death should not be in vain. His name is Pius Polycarp Benjamin, and he has offered to dedicate his life to God by becoming a priest.

"Since I was a boy, it’s been my heart’s desire to serve God through priestly ministry. 
I have seen the people who do these terrible things to us. I am no longer afraid to die. I know that God will save us.”

Despite such heinous attacks on priests in the country, the faithful remain strong and resilient, trusting in God’s merciful love. The Church has seen more and more young men courageously following a call to the priesthood. With the gracious donations from ACN benefactors, these seminarians are able to fulfil their vocation in the face of all the challenges.

Support our Nigeria appeal today so that future priests like Pius can help to keep the faith alive in Nigeria.

We also have the final diary entries by ACN (UK)'s John Pontifex from his time in Nigeria where he speaks to Seminarian Pius, available to read on the appeal page here.

ACN #REDWEDNESDAY

JOIN #TEAMRED

Every day, Christians around the world suffer for following Christ, being treated inhumanely and often forced to risk their lives for the Faith. Will you help to put a stop to this? Join #TeamRed and make a difference in the lives of persecuted Christians!

Whether you want to support the amazing fundraising activities organised by others, or if you want to set up a fundraiser of your own, you will be helping Christian children and families in priority countries who are suffering for their faith.

Click below to find out more details about #RedWednesday, #TeamRed, and how you can become part of the team!

ACN EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS THE UK

ACN PRAYER

GROW YOUR PRAYER GROUP

Please contact Errol Palmer or Bridget Teasdale with any inquires.

In a belated celebration of last Friday's Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, please join our lay chaplains in prayer  for peace around the world, as well as for the persecuted Church and ACN’s project partners who work tirelessly to support those in need.

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help,

or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

ACN SHOP

CARLO ACUTIS RED ROSARY