Comboni Sister Maria De Coppi was killed by jihadists in Mozambique on September 7. She lived at the Chipenne Mission with two priests and four other Comboni Sisters. Her death has left a great void in the community.
BP. ALBERTO VERA
Diocese of Nacala, Mozambique
Everyone called her 'our mother;' they considered her a real mother. Her dedication since she arrived 59 years ago was always to work for peace.
She listened to, cared for and accompanied the majority of the poor Mozambicans in the mission, all the Christians, but also all the Muslims.
A few days after her death, Pope Francis prayed for her after the Angelus in St. Peter's Square.
POPE FRANCIS
At this time of prayer, I want to fondly remember Sister Maria de Coppi, the Comboni missionary, who was killed in Chipene, Mozambique, where she served with love for nearly sixty years. May her witness give strength and courage to Christians and to all the people of Mozambique.
The bishop of Nacala described the people who carried out the murder.
BP. ALBERTO VERA
Diocese of Nacala, Mozambique
They are young people who have been misled by money. They have taken up arms. This started about 20 years ago when they started to build fundamentalist mosques here and they're still being built.
Bishop Vera has a close relationship with the Muslim community and he recognizes that these groups are not associated with traditional Islam. Whenever he visits a community, the Muslims are very active in participating in religious activites.
BP. ALBERTO VERA
Diocese of Nacala, Mozambique
They were even at Mass. They participated in the Mass and there were confirmations. We finished the Mass. I let them talk a little bit, say hello. Then, they did their prayer there, apart, at twelve o'clock under a tree. And then we all ate together. I mean, it's not a problem of religion.
So, here we collaborate and we work together. We work with Muslims, Christians and whomever.
The Pontifical Mission Societies highlight the missionary life of Sr. Maria De Coppi. She spent 59 years in Mozambique and served with the mission from its beginning. Thanks to her work, several generations learned to read and were able to find a way out of poverty.
ABP. GIAMPIETRO DAL TOSO
President, Pontifical Mission Societies
I hope that the tragic event [of Sister's death] can be a tool, first of all, to again search for and find peace for this people. And then, may it be a help to recognize the work of missionaries, a work that really benefits the people.
It shows how so many missionaries have gone out and often lost their lives for the sake of the Gospel.
Sr. Maria De Coppi's death was like her life—completely dedicated to the service of others.
RM
TR: KG
