09/04/2008

POPE VISITS SHRINE OF MODERN-DAY MARTYRS

The Basilica of St. Bartholomew, on the Tiberina island in Rome, has been looked after for 15 years by the Sant�Egidio lay Catholic Community.

It contains memorials to the martyrs of the twentieth century. It also has an ecumenical significance: relics of Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants men and women killed on account of the faith.

Surrounded by children, families, the poor and gypsies, Benedict XVI wanted to celebrate 40 years since the founding of the lay movement by paying tribute to these martyrs.

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Sant�Egidio is present in 70 countries worldwide.

The Pope recalled how even today, the voices resonate of those who over the centuries made the greatest sacrifice for the love of Christ.

�Apparently it seems that violence, totalitarianism, persecution, blind brutality are stronger in silencing the voice of witnesses to the faith, who may appear humanly defeated by history,� the Pope remarked. �But the risen Christ illuminates their witness and we can understand the meaning of martyrdom.�

During the celebration, various relics of the new martyrs of the 21st century were venerated, such as the chalice and stole of Don Andrea Santoro, the missionary killed in Turkey in 2005. Gypsy craftsmen helped by the Community of St. Egidio made the church�s chandeliers.

At the end of the visit, the Pope thanked the community for its service to the poor and peace among peoples. And he encouraged them not to be afraid of the difficulties of its mission: suffering, the Pope said, is part of the testimony of Christian love.