Last Thursday, December 14, the Holy Father received in audience Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. He authorized the promulgation of eight decrees concerning the miracles, martyrdom, and heroic virtues of two Venerable Servants of God and nine Servants of God.
Among the newly declared blesseds are three Xaverian Missionaries: Luigi Carrara, Giovanni Didoné, and Vittorio Faccin, along with Congolese diocesan priest Albert Joubert. Tragically, these missionaries fell victim to a turbulent period in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) history, in the early 1960s. The DRC was navigating a complex transition from colonialism to a new socio-political landscape, fraught with unrest that extended to the Church itself. Looting, persecution, and repeated indignities plagued the community, compelling many missionaries to depart. However, the Xaverians chose to stand faithful to their mission, accompanying the local people in their sufferings.
Frs. Carrara and Didoné, together with Brother Faccin were killed on November 28, 1964, in Baraka and Fizi, two locations in the DRC. The brutal incident unfolded when a military jeep halted at the Baraka Church, and amidst the chaos, Brother Faccin was commanded by a rebel leader to board the vehicle. His refusal led to a tragic outcome, as he was ruthlessly shot. Father Carrara, who was hearing confessions, emerged from the Church and, rather than complying with the assailants, knelt by his fallen brother. His unwavering solidarity cost him his life, becoming another victim of this senseless violence.
A few hours later, in Fizi, the same fate befell Fathers Didoné and Joubert. The rebel squadron arrived in Fizi and the leader knocked on the door of the mission, killing Father Didoné in cold blood when he came to the door, and shortly afterwards doing the same to Abbé Joubert.
The desecration of the missionaries' bodies and the subsequent public display of horror echoed the depths of this tragic event. However, amid this darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged – one of the militiamen who partook in this dreadful act later found redemption through conversion.
The proclamation of these new blesseds is a testament to unwavering faith, resilience, and the ultimate sacrifice made by individuals dedicated to their mission. Their legacy transcends time and stands as an inspiration for all, a poignant reminder of the strength derived from faith in the face of adversity. We remember and celebrate them because even today we need their example and intercession to continue announcing and witnessing the love of Christ for all humanity.
Blesseds Luigi Carrara, Giovanni Didoné, Vittorio Faccin and Albert Joubert, pray for us!
For more detailed information, visit [Vatican News]
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-12/pope-approves-decrees-for-new-blesseds-including-six-martyrs.html