ST. FIORIANO. From Wednesday 16 November to Sunday 20 November, the Monastery of San Floriano will take a stand against the worldwide persecution of Christians. That is why the monastery and the monastery basilica shine red as part of the “Red Wednesday” initiative of “Aid to the Church in Need”.
The color represents the blood of Christians killed, because being a Christian has never been as dangerous as it is today. More than 260 million Christians around the world are currently suffering persecution, discrimination and violence because of their faith. “Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right as much as freedom of expression and freedom of conscience, it must be protected in all countries of the world. That is why it is important for us in the monastery to use this strong symbolism to draw attention to this topic “, says Provost Johann Holzinger.
Churches, monuments and public buildings around the world have been lit red since 2015, including the Colosseum in Rome, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro and the Parliament in Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, many monasteries and parish churches. “San Floriano must not be missing, tomb of the town’s patron saint and the first martyr of our town. St. Florian, who died drowning in Enns 1716 years ago, is still of great relevance when it comes to persecution of Christians: he did not participate when the emperor attributed a divine cult to himself, he rushed to his fellow Christians who were tortured in solidarity, help . He showed civil courage when it came to opposing it, “says the provost Johann Holzinger. As is well known, St. Florian paid for this courage with his life.
