What is the International Week of Prayer and Fasting?

The International Week of Prayer and Fasting is a grassroots movement of Catholics and other Christians from around the world participating in a global network of prayer and fasting for the goals of the “week” (9 days) are:

1. To Pray and Fast for the conversion of peoples and nations.

2. To Pray and Fast to build a Culture of Life.

3. To Pray and Fast for Peace in the World

The grasp of the culture of death on our world is growing stronger. Wars, natural disasters, terrorism, abortion, euthanasia, and religious persecution are on the rise as never before. As Christians, however, we are not to despair, but to place our hope in Christ. Now more than ever believers from all traditions and nationalities must unite together to pray and fast.

When is this week held?

The 21st International Week of Prayer and Fasting will be held September 21-29, 2013

After 21 years of holding the international week of prayer and fasting, we continue to be encouraged by the special words from Pope John Paul the Great when he said, “As a pledge of an abundance of Divine Blessings upon You and Yours, I paternally impart to all participants of the International Week of Prayer and Fasting My Most Heartfelt Apostolic Blessing!”

We ask all of you that can make it to attend the our Eucharistic Prayer Vigil held on Saturday, September 21 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Click here for directions.

How can you participate?

Consistently we see examples in scripture, the lives of the saints and the lives of religious leaders throughout history that prayer and fasting can change the course of world events.  You can participate in many ways:

1. Take Action Now and Sign Up!

2.  Pray and fast with your family, with your prayer group, with your parish, or with your community from September 21st – 29th. Click Here to Learn More About Prayer & Fasting

3. Register to attend the International Day of Prayer in Washington, D.C. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, September 21st, 2013. When you sign up you will receive a FREE Prayer Packet at the Basilica Prayer Event on Sept 21st.View our Schedule

4. Sign up now to make a tax deductible donation to support this urgent worldwide prayer and fasting campaign!