Sunday 12th of May
the pope proclaimed saints the 800 martyrs from Otranto. A beautiful story. Otranto is a very
historical city where Christianity blossomed both in Art and culture (there was
a school for those who wanted to learn Greek and Latin, they could also live
there…for free) in 1480, Turks, after conquering Constantinople tried to attack
Italy to get to Rome. Fleet got to Otranto under siege. Turks sent a message,
if the city surrenders, all citizen won’t be killed. The chief of the city
decided to resist against 18000 soldiers…..
Unfortunately after 15 days, had to surrender. Turks offered life
to those who repudiate Christ. Antonio Primaldo, a dressmaker, said “Brothers until
now we fought to defend our country and to survive and for our earthly lords. It
is now time to fight to save our souls” so the city choose death just not deny their
religion…. The next day 800 men were beheaded.
A good story, from
other times. It’s unfortunately still very actual in too many countries across
the globe. And in Africa too: Nigeria, Kenya….
John Paul II, talking
about them said “martyrs left us two fundamental legacies: love for the country
and authenticity of faith. A Christian loves his country and love for the
country is a Christian virtue,
Today I thought about
this during the Pentecost, talking about the Holy Ghost. It was the Holy ghost
that made those people strong, years ago, and still does, for each one of us.
During these weeks in
the parish we experienced Grace several times: Sunday the 5th of May
here in Bozoum we celebrated the Confirmations, and today people whom are
preparing for baptism celebrated one of the Catechumen steps.
May
the Lord open our hearts to the action of the holy ghost to become always
better men, better women
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