About

About

What is the IWOPF?

The International Week of Prayer and Fasting campaign is a grassroots movement that gathers Catholics and other Christians from around the world to participate in a global network of prayer and fasting.  

Our goal is to mobilize churches, communities, schools, prayer groups, and clergy to pray and fast:

  • For peace and to implore God’s mercy
  • For the conversion of all people and nations
  • To build a culture of life
  • To defend the sanctity of marriage and family life
  • For all priests, vocations, and holiness of the members of the Church

An Annual Mission

The International Week of Prayer and Fasting is in its 31st year, and we gather together people of all ages, backgrounds, and races. From October 20th – October 28th, 2023, we unite to pray for a peace in the world, for the conversion of all people and nations, and to build a culture of life, and for a newfound appreciation for basic human rights throughout the world. 

By invoking the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother,  the Queen of Peace,  she will lead us in battle, and together we will play a crucial role in the conversion of nations and changing the course of world events. We unite to participate in and promote Holy Mass, the Holy Rosary, Adoration, Fasting, Confession, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. 

Papal Blessing

St. John Paul II gave two Apostolic Blessings to the organizing entities and all the participants, the first in 1997 and the second in 2001.

Pope Francis gave his Apostolic Blessing to all of the participants of the 22nd International Week of Prayer and Fasting.

” … 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 blessings…”

The Coalition for the International Week of Prayer and Fasting

(This is only a partial listing)

  • Dr. Seggy Acosta, President, Arlington Regia, Legion of Mary
  • Jack Ames, President Defend Life
  • Gloria Anson, Director Sacred Heart Apostolate, Inc.
  • Rev. Edgardo Arellano, Founder Alliance of Holy Family Intl.
  • Darrell Bennett, President Miracle of the Rosary Mission
  • Laurence Behr, President Western NY Lawyers for Life
  • Fr. Shenan Boquet, President Human Life International
  • Lee John Bruno, President United for Life Foundation
  • Fr. Neil Buchlein, Founder Our Blessed Mother’s Children
  • Marie Burns, Director Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena
  • Harold Cassidy, President National Foundation for Life
  • Stella Davis, Foundress Christian Women In Action
  • Patty Fason, Executive Director Association of the Precious Blood
  • Ted and Maureen Flynn, Signs of the Times Apostolate
  • Kristan Hawkins, Executive Director Students for Life of America
  • Andy LaVallee, President Live the Fast
  • Dan Lynch, President Missionary Image Our Lady of Guadalupe
  • Bud Macfarlane Sr., Militia Immaculata
  • Drew Mariani, Radio Host Relevant Radio
  • Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, S.V., Superior General, Sisters of Life
  • Patti Melvin, Director Universal Living Rosary Association of Saint Philomena
  • Rev. Chris Alar, Director of the Association of Marian Helpers
  • Brian Miller, President Queen of Peace Ministries
  • Dr. Mark Miravalle, President Vox Populi Mariae Mediatrici
  • Joan and Dave Maroney, Directors of Divine Mercy for America
  • Fr. Chad Partain, Director Children of Mary
  • Frank Pavone, President Priests for Life
  • Dr. Tom Petrisko, President Pittsburgh Center for Peace
  • Karen Ruberto, Director United Apostolates of Jesus and Mary
  • Joe Scheidler, President Pro-Life Action League
  • Connie Schneider, President Children of the Eucharist
  • Missy Smith, Founder W.A.K.E. U.P
  • Dr. Bryan Thatcher, President Eucharistic Apostles of Mercy
  • Joe Worthin, Director Project Moses