On Sunday, 17 May 2026, the Seventh Sunday of Easter, we join a global community in observing AIDS Memorial Day. This movement began in 1983 as a simple candlelight vigil for those dying in isolation and rejection. Today, we remember the 40 million lives lost to the epidemic and stand in solidarity with the 39 million people currently living with HIV. We gather not only to mourn the past, but to confront the stigma and injustice of the present. In this service, we hold together the grief of loss and the sacred urgency of hope.

Click here for the 2026 Liturgy for your church service or alternative gathering.

People living with HIV started the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in 1983 and since then there have been thousands of events organized across the world by community-based organizations, as well as locally in Southern Africa by CABSA and all her partner organizations for the past 24 years.

People living with HIV started the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in 1983 and since then there have been thousands of events organized across the world by community-based organizations, as well as locally in Southern Africa by CABSA and all her partner organizations for the past 23 years.

People living with HIV started the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in 1983 and since then there have been thousands of events organized across the world by community-based organizations, as well as locally in Southern Africa by CABSA and all her partner organizations for the past 22 years.

People living with HIV started the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in 1983 and since then there have been thousands of events organized across the world by community-based organizations, as well as locally in Southern Africa by CABSA and all her partner organizations for the past 21 years.