Martyrs Archives

If Pope wants to honor martyrs, fast-track their sainthood causes
- Analysis
- April 23, 2017
Though anti-Christian persecution around the world is a widespread and growing problem, popes can’t just wave a magic wand and make police states, armed gangs and terrorists disappear. What they can do, however, is deploy their unique authority to fast-track sainthood causes for new martyrs, and Pope Francis has a looming chance to do just that when he visits India.
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Francis poses both/and approach to fighting anti-Christian persecution
- Analysis, Pope Francis in Egypt
- April 21, 2017
Most activists in the fight against global anti-Christian persecution are inclined to go on the offensive, calling out offenders, demanding sanctions, and in general not taking things lying down. Pope Francis appears to prefer the carrot over the stick, but it’s possible to see this contrast as both/and — by reaching out so incessantly, Francis may be providing others the chance to push back.
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Archbishop says Pakistani martyrs illustrate ‘purpose of being’
- Global Church, Interviews
- April 20, 2017
Christians in Pakistan represent just two percent of the population in an overwhelmingly Muslim nation, and one gripped for the last thirty years by a rising tide of extremism. They’re also largely poor and members of ethnic and linguistic minorities, so they’re doubly or triply at risk. Archbishop Sebastian Shaw of Lahore says that his country’s martyrs can teach the Church, and the world, about ‘the purpose of being.’
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Effort to rescue Blessed Sacrament in fire recalled as act of great faith

Fifty years ago two people lost their lives in an attempt to save the Blessed Sacrament inside the tabernacle of a church. Father George Weinmann and Sister Lilian Marie McLaughlin both died from their efforts and are remembered as martyrs by many who know the story.

Florida rally designed to support persecuted Christians

No Greater Love is a music and arts festival taking place this Saturday, in the spirit of the martyrs of Florida, to offer relief to Christians in the Middle East. Kathryn Jean Lopez spoke with organizer Mary Catherine Damon about the importance of remembering modern-day Christian martyrs.

Samurai martyr beatified in Japan

Takayama Ukon, a 17th century Catholic Samurai and martyr, was beatified during a Mass in ‎Osaka, Japan. Pope Francis declared Ukon a martyr in 2016, since he demonstrated “a great fidelity to the Christian vocation, persevering despite all difficulties,” a general postulator of the Society of Jesus said.