Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – March 24 marks the anniversary of the murder of Archbishop Oscar A. Romero of San Salvador (1980) and the Youth Missionary Movement of the Pontifical Mission Societies of Italy has organized for this date to be honored in memory of all the missionaries who are killed throughout the world. The initiative, which began in 1993, has since extended to other countries. There are now many dioceses and religious institutions that organize various events in honor of these missionary martyrs and, with them, all those who shed their blood for the Gospel.
In the Year of Saint Paul, the theme chosen for the 17th Day of Prayer and Fasting in memory of the missionary martyrs is an invitation to reflect on the missionary experience of the Apostle to the Gentiles: “In his writings, Paul recalls having undergone various forms of suffering for Christ and at the same time, of having also felt 'concern for all the Churches,' for which he invoked the Lord in an almost physical suffering, the gift of fidelity to the Gospel received,” writes Fr. Gianni Cesena, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Italy, in presenting the Day.
He continues: “We believe that with every missionary, whether they are martyred, kidnapped, or suffer persecutions, they bear in themselves the suffering of their communities, the daily struggle for survival, the threats to so many humble witnesses to the Gospel, lay men and women, whose only support are the missionaries who share in their fate, motivated by the sole inspiration of love. Imprisoned for Christ, free to love: Saint Paul is not only the author but also the great example of this message. It calls for solidarity with the suffering communities, a demand for each person to pray, to fast...Jesus reserves a mysterious word for those who are despised by the word, but beloved in the eyes of God: 'Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you, and when they utter every kind of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.' (Mt. 5:11-12).”
Among the guidelines for the celebration, the Youth Missionary Movement reminds all that “prayer and fasting, in the Christian tradition, are acts of love and communion with God and with the Church; living them on the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Missionary Martyrs means praying to God that He sustains missionaries and Christian communities that continue to live today amidst discrimination and persecution.”
The parish communities and consecrated life, seminaries, novice houses, are all invited to use the guidelines for the Vigil: Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration, ecumenical services, all prepared for this occasion, not only on March 24, but on the days preceding and following it. There are also ideas like set apart a corner of the Church for Martyrs, using a cross, a red cloth (that could also be on the front door as well), and an olive branch with the names of missionaries who have been killed; ring the bells at 3:00pm on March 24, inviting the people to meditate on Christ’s sacrifice and on the many men and women who have offered their lives; and plant a tree in memory of those who have given everything for love. Families can place lit candles in their windows or place a red cloth on display, as a visible sign of the commemoration; take part in an act of reconciliation: between the husband and wife, between children and parents, and between siblings or between neighbors, or members of the extended family; and offer a donation from fasting, in support of the help project proposed for this year.
The sick are encouraged to offer their suffering in memory of the missionary martyrs and for the spread of the Gospel, and to sustain missionaries and to ask the Lord for the gift of new holy missionary vocations. The young people are encouraged to give blood and visit those in the hospital, those who are alone, in prison, the elderly alone in their homes, etc.
This year, the suggested help project is a center for young girls, including those who have abandoned by their own families, run by the Brigoline Sisters in India, in the state of Kerala. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 23/3/2009)
