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by INFOVATICANA | February 24, 2026

While in much of the West faith is lived between indifference and cultural comfort, millions of Christians around the world suffer threats, violence, prison, and death simply for professing Christ. In this context, several Spanish dioceses will celebrate in the coming days the “Night of the Witnesses”, a prayer vigil for the persecuted Church.

According to the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), this year’s edition will take place in various Spanish cities during the last days of February and the first days of March, in the full season of Lent, as a call to communion with those who live their faith in extreme conditions.

A vigil to put a face on martyrdom

The “Night of the Witnesses” is a vigil before the Blessed Sacrament, where the Church prays united for persecuted Christians and listens to concrete testimonies from those who have suffered for their faith.

In a time when religious persecution has intensified in various regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, the initiative seeks to remind us that martyrdom is not a reality of the past, but an open wound in the present life of the Church.

Every year, international reports on religious freedom confirm that millions of Christians live under some form of severe discrimination, harassment, or direct violence. Public and communal prayer thus becomes a concrete gesture of ecclesial fraternity.

Lent: communion with the suffering Church

The choice of the Lenten season is no coincidence. The Church begins its journey toward Easter by remembering that the cross is not an abstract symbol, but a reality lived by many members of the Body of Christ.

Praying for those who “pay for their faith with blood” is, in this sense, a way of assuming the sacrificial dimension of Christianity and preventing faith from being reduced to cultural tradition or mere private sentiment.

The vigil thus includes Eucharistic adoration, moments of silence, and direct testimonies. It is not just about knowing facts, but about allowing oneself to be challenged by the fidelity of those who have lost possessions, freedom, or security for remaining steadfast in their adherence to Christ.

The call of Cardinal Cobo

In Madrid, the vigil will take place on the 27th at 7:30 p.m. in the Almudena Cathedral. The Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal José Cobo, has expressly encouraged the faithful to participate in this day of prayer.

“Once again, we are called to a special day. On the 27th at seven-thirty, we will also gather in the cathedral to pray and to look upon that Church that needs our prayer, our support, and our embrace,” he stated.

The archbishop has asked not to remain indifferent to the suffering of so many Christians: “Let us pray for all persecuted Christians and that suffering reality of our Church. Do not fail to make an effort in prayer and participation.”

Several dioceses join the call

The initiative is being held in various Spanish cities, including Madrid—where it will take place in the Almudena Cathedral—as well as in other dioceses that have joined the call.

• Madrid: Friday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Almudena Cathedral
• Palencia: Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Convent of La Piedad.
• Torrelavega: Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the San José Obrero Parish.
• Santander: Friday, February 27 at 5:00 p.m. in the Santa María Reparadora Parish.
• Valladolid: Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Church of El Salvador.

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