‘We ask the risen Jesus, who turns death into life, to change hatred into love, vengeance into forgiveness, war into peace.’

– Pope Benedict XVI

April 10th marks the anniversary of Franciscan Friar Diego Bedoya. Aged just 35, he was one of 23 Catholic pastoral care workers killed worldwide in 2017. These martyrs included 13 priests, 1 brother, 1 religious sister and 8 lay people.

Living in Faith

Many of these people lived and worked caring for people living in poverty, helping children and supporting development and faith projects. Most were victims of theft. All died violently.

Particularly in the holy season of Eastertide, we renew our confidence in the new life born from Christ’s resurrection and seeds of faith sown by selfless acts of love and sacrifice. Please join us giving thanks for the work and witness of these, our sisters and brothers. May they rest in peace. Amen.

You can read about all 23 mission martyrs in the Spring 2018 edition of Mission Today.