Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - Once again this year Fides has the sad task of issuing the names of pastoral workers who died a violent death in 2005. According to the information collected, 26 Catholics were killed on mission this year one was a bishop and other 25 were priests, religious and lay people. The number is almost double that of last year 2004. As in recent years our list includes besides missionaries ad gentes in the strict sense who died a violent death also other church personnel who conscious of the risk, rather than give up their mission of witness and apostolate, sacrificed their lives. Some of them, whose bodies were found only hours or even days later, appeared to have been killed by thieves or other criminals in a social context of extreme violence, human degradation and poverty which the missionaries were committed to improving with their presence and work. With respect for any judgement the Church may make in their regard, we ask you to remember these men and women in your prayers and to thank God for enabling them to make a generous contribution to further the growth of the Church in many different parts of the world at the service of human promotion and evangelisation.
