Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - For the last 15 years for Catholics in Italy and other countries March 24th, the date of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar A. Romero, of San Salvador in 1980, has been a day to commemorate missionaries killed while on mission to spread the Gospel and make Christ ever more widely known. The initiative, started in 1993 by the Missionary Youth Movement of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Italy has spread to several other countries and many dioceses and religious institutes organise initiatives on this day to commemorate their own missionaries killed on mission for the cause of the Gospel.
The theme chosen for the day this year, the 15th is “Assassinated missionaries: hope for the world”. We read in the Missionary Youth Movement leaflet prepared for the occasion: “In a world where fear for the future is growing and men and women find it difficult to raise their eyes to look heavenwards and dream, our assassinated missionaries call us to be ever firmer in our faith, to believe that a new humanity is possible, to hope for a better future. A life spent for love has the power to change consciences, mentalities and lifestyles. Instead of a reason for grief, for the Church martyrdom is a source of strength and hope to continue along the same path as Christ, with no other shield but His Gospel”.
“Our martyrs give us the strength to carry on. These men and women followers of Christ demonstrated that forgiveness and love are stronger than hatred; with their sacrifice they tell assure us that the Lord, who has overcome evil and death is Risen and Living. Without their witness the world would be poorer, more arid and it would be even more difficult to hope. Amidst the shadows which cross the world our martyrs shine like stars and their witness illuminates humanity’s journey towards Christ.”
Parishes, communities of consecrated life, seminaries, church groups and associations missionary movements and the missionary world in general are encouraged to celebrate the Day with prayer, fasting and good works. The Missionary Youth Movement leaflet for the occasion offers suggestions for prayers, Adoration of the Eucharist, the Stations of the Cross, Prayer Vigil and good works such as visiting the sick and the lonely, offering suffering for missions, donating one’s blood, inviting a poor person to visit for a day. The money saved through fasting will be sent to needy Christian communities in Lebanon: in this way too the blood shed by missionaries will help restore hope among people suffering because of hatred and violence. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 1/3/2007; Righe 35; Parole 529)
