On December 8, 19 Algerians who died as martyrs will be beatified in the cathedral of Oran. They were killed during a civil war against the Algerian government and Islamic extremists between 1994 and 1996.
This new book has been written about seven of them, the Trappist monks of Tibhirine. Cardinal Angelo Becciu wrote the preface of the book and will preside over beatification of these Algerians.
CARD. ANGELO BECCIU
Prefect, Congregation for the Causes of Saints
“There were many threats, and already some had lost their lives, they had been killed. However, every time they were asked, 'Do you want to stay or go home?' They, said, 'we want to stay because we have come here to give our lives to this country, to this Church and therefore we want to remain faithful to God's call.'”
François Vayne knew them personally and wrote this book. He says the daily and spiritual difficulties these martyrs experienced could be an example for everyone.
FRANÇOIS VAYNE
Author, “Semplicemente cristiani”
“These monks also had a difficult life, all of them. One was a worker, the other was a professor, the other was a plumber. They did not find their way quickly and just like today many people are looking for their way.” “[They are] a help for everyone to understand that by trusting in God, walking in faith, we always find an answer to our great desire for beauty, purity and joy.”
Another message for the beatification is a greater unity between the Christian and Muslim community.
FRANÇOIS VAYNE
Author, “Semplicemente cristiani”
“Christian blood has been mixed with the blood of Muslims, many of which also died. Around 150,000. This blood of Muslims and Christians mixed becomes a promise for universal brotherhood.”
It's an incredible story of several heroes of our time, a group of martyrs who died in 1996 and forgave the terrorists who murdered them.
