08/04/2008

Modern martyrs feed the faith, Pope says

Vatican, Apr. 8, 2008 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) joined in a tribute to the Christians who have died for the faith during the last century, at an April 7 visit to the Roman basilica of St. Bartholomew.

The Holy Father spoke at the basilica during a liturgical ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the St. Egidio community, which established the memorial to modern Christian witnesses. The memorial includes six altars, dedicated to the Christian victims of the Communist and Nazi regimes and the other anti-Christian movements of modernity. The Pope observed that the memorial helps visitors "follow many painful events of last century."

These witnesses, the Pope said, bore "eloquent testimony" to the power of faith. It is only natural, he observed, for a visitor to ask why these people chose to give up their lives, to serve the faith "without placing limits on the gift of love."

While violent regimes and oppressive movements seem more powerful, the Pope continued, they are unable to silence the witness of martyrdom. "In the defeat and humiliation of those who suffer because of the Gospel is a power which the world does not know."

Pope Benedict encouraged the members of the St. Egidio community to imitate the martyrs in their own work. Praising the group for its energetic efforts to mediate conflicts and promote peace, he urged them "not to fear the difficulties and suffering this missionary activity brings' they are part of the logic of courageous witness of Christian love." ?