The Rector Major launches us a call to join the
Global Network of Religions for Children for the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children and Youth

Dear brothers and sisters, members of the Salesian Family, young people committed in voluntary work,
Each year, on November the 20th, all over the world, we celebrate the anniversary of the adoption in 1989 of the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child (CRC) and the World Children’s Day.
Since 2008, November the 20th is also the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children and Youth. Celebrated last year for first time, it involved people and groups from 30 different countries of the world.
The initiative was undertaken by the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), with the support of Arigatou International, a Japanese and international interfaith-based NGO committed to foster through interreligious dialogue and cooperation the respect, protection and fulfillment of the fundamental rights of all children, “without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child`s or his or her parent`s or legal guardian`s race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status” (art.2 CRC).
In continuity with my appeal "Before it`s too late, let’s save the children, the future of the world" (Rome, Campidoglio, November 27, 2002), with the Strenna 2008 and the commitments made during the International Congress "Preventive System and Human Rights" (Rome, 2-6 January 2009), I invite you to join on November the 20th the Global Network of Religions for Children for the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children and Youth.
Only if the religious leaders and we all will join our efforts, we will be able to respond adequately to the dramatic and massive violations in any part of the world of human dignity and fundamental rights of children, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.
Let’s join together on November the 20th  and in each Salesian community, celebrate this prayer for and with the Children and Youth of the world, that all religions and diverse faith communities can be a driving force for the promotion of fundamental rights of children sending a powerful message of vision and commitment to the governments and people of the world.

INTERRELIGIOUS PRAYER FOR THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER AND ACTION FOR CHILDREN

Lord of Life,
may our children be as You wish!
May our faith be of help in the quest for more dignity and quality of life
for the children of our community and city, Nations and in the world.
Lord, the idolatry of wealth is a threat to peace in many places.
Our planet is exploited and polluted ever more,
and the children are the first to suffer
when selfishness takes over people’s hearts.
Give us courage to change this story!
Help us fight against the causes of poverty,
injustice and oppression of children and their families.
Give us strength to prevent girls and boys today from being exploited and forced to work,
getting involved with drugs, sleeping and awaking with hunger and thirst,
not having a school in which to study and a safe space in which to play,
and dying for preventable reasons.
We want the well-being of children and respect for their fundamental rights. 
We will protect them during their entire life, which is sacred. 
May Your spirit enlighten us to care for and with children,
beginning in their mother’s womb,
and to guarantee their human rights.
May they receive vaccines and breast milk,
adequate nourishment,
clean water and opportunities to develop fully.
Lord of Life, together with our children, with a single voice,
we are grateful for all the good that has come from so many people of good will. 
Our strength is in You,
who takes us to action to build a world in which children may have life,
dignity and have it abundantly! Amen!