FACES OF THE MISSION
This photo collage is a representation of the body of Christ. We are all called to take part in the mission of the Church, and to be partners in evangelization. We are from different cultures and traditions, and so, invited to respect our diversity; and to be in conversation with the least and the lost. To do mission and to work in evangelization is our responsibility as a Church; therefore, we create an atmosphere of welcome for these people. In this way, we will see a flourishing of the faithful in our churches.
RADAR • Stop the war!
Martyrdom to regenerate life and hope
BY SR M. MARTA VARGAS CMS
OUR HEARTS still tremble at what happened on 6 September, in Chipene, Mozambique, when Sr Maria de Coppi died at the hands of Islamic extremists in an attack on the village and mission of the Comboni Missionary Sisters.
At about 9 p.m. a group of terrorists attacked Chipene, burning the church, the hospital and the sisters’ house. Two sisters managed to escape: Angeles Lopez, from Spain, and Eleonora Reboldi, from Italy. Sr Maria was killed when the terrorists arrived.
Sr Maria de Coppi, 83, was originally from Italy and worked as a missionary in Mozambique since 1963 serving the poor, the least in society and especially women. During this period, she went through the independence and civil wars. “After a lifetime of service, Sr Maria died a martyr’s death because she did not abandon the poor even in such difficult times,” stated the Southern African Catholics Bishop Conference in their Letter of Solidarity.
The violence in Cabo Delgado has recently spread to the Province of Nampula, where these unfortunate events took place. “Since 2017, Cabo Delgado and its surroundings have been suffering a serious humanitarian crisis due to the violence perpetrated by various jihadist and terrorist groups that have caused the forced displacement of about 80 000 people from the area,” explained Sr Luigia Coccia, Superior General of the Comboni Missionary Sisters.
In the face of this situation the Comboni Sisters reaffirm, “our commitment is to remain united in prayer, in solidarity and in Mission, precisely when the work becomes harder,” continues Sr Luigia Coccia in the Official Communiqué of the Congregation.
The Gospel of the day when the news arrived still echoes in our hearts and motivates us to continue moving forward: “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven” (Lk 6: 20–26).
Sr Maria de Coppi has sealed her love of God and His people with the palm of martyrdom. Blessed be Mozambique, the precious land that drinks and welcomes our tears today; tears of pain, of sadness, tears of blood, tears that one day will flourish, deep in the soil, to regenerate life and hope.
| Dates To Remember |
|
October 1 – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus 2 – International Day of Non-Violence 3 – World Habitat Day 4 – St Francis of Assisi 5 – World Teachers’ Day 9 – World Post Day 10 – St Daniel Comboni 10 – World Mental Health Day 11 – International Day of the Girl Child 13 – International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 15 – International Day of Rural Women 16 – World Food Day 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 23 – World Mission Sunday 31 – World Cities Day November 2 – All faithful departed 2 – International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 6 – International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 10 – World Science Day for Peace and Development 13 – World Day of the Poor 14 – World Diabetes Day 19 – World Toilet Day 20 – Christ the King 20 – Africa Industrialization Day 20 – World Children’s Day 21 – World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 29 – International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People |