Root, Reflect, Rise
As the World Day of Prayer approaches its Centennial milestone, the WDPIC Executive Committee is putting out a special call to the worldwide movement — one that honors nearly 100 years of women gathering across culture, language, and denomination, united by a shared commitment to prayer and action: Root, Reflect, Rise.
Plant a special Centennial tree in your community — a living symbol of what World Day of Prayer has grown to represent. Like the movement itself, a tree takes time to establish, sends roots deep into the ground, and becomes shelter and sustenance for those around it.
We want to hear what you do. Share your stories with us by email, tag us on social media, and use #RootReflectRise so we can celebrate everything this call inspires around the world.
The newly planted trees around the world...
PAKISTAN
Every month, the women of St. Andrew's Church, Diocese of Lahore - The Church of Pakistan (United) gather in sacred fellowship to seek spiritual renewal and community. On April 24th, 2026, their fellowship proudly joined the WDPIC in celebrating the Centennial Year. In honor of approaching to 100-year milestone, they celebrated the Earth day, embracing the truth that "Earth Day is every day." WDP Pakistan is honored to join this global movement by planting a tree, symbolizing our commitment to growth and creation care.
ITALY
In April 2026 around 30 women from Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox traditions gathered near Rome. WDP Italy (GMP Italia) met for workshop. The day after going over the initiative "Root, Reflect, Rise", two members surpised the group with an almond tree and permission to plant it at the Centro Ecumene. Each person helped plant the tree and then the group surrounded the tree with love, joy, and prayer.
BOTSWANA
Another tree has been planted! A mango tree at the home of our dear friend and member, Tlamelo, in Botswana. It was planted in May and we cannot wait to see how it looks a year from now.
MADAGASCAR
The World Day of Prayer Madagascar dedicated Saturday, 18 July 2026 to the "Root" planting activity as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Worldwide Day of Prayer movement.
They chose to plant coconut trees because of their rich symbolism:
1- They carry life-giving water from above, symbolizing women as a source of life and nourishment.
2- They continually grow upward, representing aspiration, growth, and reaching higher.
3- They grow straight without branching, symbolizing integrity, steadfastness, and faithfulness.
4- A single root bears abundant fruit, reflecting our faith in one Lord whose blessings will continue through the next 100 years and beyond.
5- They bend gently in strong winds but stand upright again, expressing the resilience we hope to see in every woman.
LEBANON
The Lebanon committee planted, in celebration of the Centennial of the World Day of Prayer (WDP) Movement, this little cedar. It carries a beautiful message of faith, unity, and hope.
They prayed for generations to come to follow its growth, just as they continue to grow together in faith and remain One in Prayer.
May its roots grow deep, its branches reach high, and its presence remind future generations of the power of prayer and the unity that connects us across the world.
One tree.
Many generations.
One in Prayer.
GHANA
There is a saying that, "when the last tree dies, the last man dies". This saying emphasizes how trees and plants in general are essential to the existence of man.
In that stead, on the 22nd of October 2026, WDPGhana visited the Women's Center of the Presbyterian Church at Abokobi and planted some tree seedings. The seedlings planted include: six (6) guava and one (1) pear.
This exercise is in line with the WDP movement's initiative titled: ROOT,RISE AND REFLECT.
Root: Plant a Centennial tree in your community as a symbol of the movement's growth.
Reflect: Share stories and history of the WDP, honoring the contributions of past participants.
Rise: Invest in the next generation through the WDPIC Young Women's Fund, which aims to empower young women in the movement.
USA
A recent tree-planting ceremony was held in honour of the WDP Centennial Celebration and Commemoration in Plainville, Connecticut, USA.
The Vicar, Rev. Christopher Phil Daniel, and members of the Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church, along with Mrs. Neethi Prasad, former Chair of WDP-USA, participated in this special ceremony on the front grounds of the church.
A Bloodgood Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) was chosen for this meaningful occasion. These ornamental deciduous trees are admired for their vibrant seasonal foliage and delicate leaf shapes. Typically growing into an upright tree of 15–20 feet, the Bloodgood Japanese Maple is particularly striking for its deep burgundy leaves that turn a brilliant red.
By planting this tree, we are making a promise: that WDP will continue to take root and bear fruit in our churches and communities around the world for the next hundred years!
What made this occasion especially meaningful was the participation of members across all generations of the parish family, each contributing to this sacred act in a unique way. The senior members helped prepare the ground and dig the hole for the tree; the youth took part in placing and planting it firmly into the earth; and the youngest members, the Sunday School children, lovingly watered the newly planted tree. They also made a commitment to care for it as they grow alongside it, becoming forerunners and patrons of WDP, while embracing their responsibility as faithful stewards of God's creation and the created order. We praise and thank God, as a parish family, for the privilege of being part of this milestone and memorable initiative of WDP — #Root, Reflect, Rise.