Catholic charities and church leaders were among those who spoke out against modern crimes against children on the Feast of Holy Innocents on 28 December.
Jesuit media highlighted how the story of the Holy Family fleeing into Egypt is like many refugee and migrant families today, having to flee their homeland out of fear of persecution, and “we pray for all families seeking refuge and peace”.
The Jesuit Refugee Service UK has asked for donations of unwanted Christmas presents.
As churches remembered the massacre of the innocents, an hour-long silent vigil was held at the crib in Coventry’s city centre to remember more than 8,000 children killed in the war on Gaza.
Organised by Coventry Justice and Peace Group, it was attended by representatives of Pax Christi, the Passionists and local parishes.
Ann Farr of Pax Christi said: “Passersby showed their appreciation and as the weather worsened we remembered the terrible conditions suffered by the people of Gaza who are suffering endless brutality and the deliberate deprivation of food, water, shelter and medical care.”
Cafod prayed “that children everywhere may be safe from harm and free to play, learn and flourish”. The Anglican Pacifist Fellowship hosted an online gathering for prayer, which included singing the maternal lament, “Coventry Carol”.
In addition to praying for those affected by the wars in Ukraine, Sudan and the Middle East, many prayers reflected on wider issues, including victims of residential schools in Canada and child refugees around so many conflicts.
Caritas Westminster prayed “for children being killed, injured, bereaved or displaced in Gaza, Yemen, Ukraine and other war zones, and the ones who are trafficked, exploited, abused, or who grow up in poverty and insecurity”.
The Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart in England and Wales posted a quote on social media from poet Malcolm Guite who said, in an introduction to his sonnet “Refugee”, “What Herod did then, is still being done by so many present day Herods.”
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children said that “unborn children targeted for abortion are the Holy Innocents of our time”.
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