2016-05-10 15:35:00

Cardinal presides Ecumenical liturgy for Martyrs


The evening of 10th May will see the third annual Ecumenical liturgy for Christian Martyrs take place in Warsaw, Poland. In particular, this year's liturgy will remember those who have lost their lives in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America because of their religious beliefs. It is estimated that up to 200 million Christians around the world are persecuted for their faith.

The event is organised by the Saint Egidio community. The theme of this year’s liturgy is “Witnesses of Mercy.”

The Archbishop of Warsaw, Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz will preside over the liturgy. Representatives from Poland’s various religious traditions and movements will also attend.

Explaining the choice of the theme “Witnesses of Mercy” the organisers of the event said “In the contemporary world, Martyrs, with their whole lives proclaim the good news and the mercy of God.”

When asked about the importance and significance of the event, the organisers declared “We would like to embrace with mercy all of the problems and places which we cannot reach with our actions.”

“Especially in this Year of Mercy we are convinced that we have the duty to proclaim the risen Christ who, with his death, brought down the walls of enmity among men. Christ is now, particularly, among the persecuted, including those who have been driven from their homes and among those fleeing poverty and war.

The previous year’s liturgy was held at the Church of Saint Martin, in Warsaw’s old town. During the service During that Ceremony a “Litany of martyrs” was read aloud, naming individuals, groups and victims of mass persecutions. A candle was then lit as each portion of the litany was concluded. 

 

(John Waters)








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