Saint AMBRÓSIO FRANCISCO FERRO et ses compagnons martyrs au BRÉSIL

AMBRÓSIO FRANCISCO FERRO

et les martyrs de Natal
† 1645

Au milieu du XVII siècle, il n’y a dans le Rio Grande do Nord, au Brésil, que deux paroisses : celle de Notre-Dame de la Purification, à Cunhau, dont était curé le Père André Soveral, brésilien, né vers 1572, à Sao Vicente dans l'île de Santos, et celle de Notre-Dame de la Présentation à Natal. Cette paroisse avait comme curé le Père Ambrósio Francisco Ferro qui lui était portugais.

Le Brésil était alors sous la domination hollandaise, car le Portugal qui avait découvert ce pays en 1500, était depuis 1580 annexé par l’Espagne, qui elle-même étant occupé par d’autres entreprises belliqueuses avait laissé lui échapper cet immense territoire au bénéfice des bataves, foncièrement protestants.

Le 3 octobre 1645 un certain Jacob Rabe, un allemand à la solde des calvinistes hollandais, qui avait déjà semé la mort à Cunhau parmi les catholiques de cette paroisse, y compris leur curé André Soveral, vint traquer les paroissiens de Natal qui s’étaient réfugiés dans la jungle suite aux premiers massacres.

Accompagné de ses soldats et aidé par et par deux cents indiens commandés par Antoine Paraopaba, nouvellement converti au protestantisme, ils conduisirent les catholiques à une vingtaine de kilomètres de Natal, sur les bords de la rivière Uruaçu et les massacrèrent de plusieurs manières, avec une cruauté sauvage et perverse : ils coupèrent les bras et les jambes aux uns ; à d’autres, ils crevèrent les yeux, ils coupèrent la langue, le nez et les oreilles à d’autres encore.

Ambrósio Francisco Ferro, le curé, fait partie de ces nouveaux martyrs et, parmi les paroissiens, un autre portugais, un laïc, Mateus Moreira, qui au moment du sacrifice suprême trouva la force de crier son amour envers l’Eucharistie, pendant que ses bourreaux lui prélevait le cœur par le dos : “Loué soit le Très Saint Sacrement”.

Dom Claudio Hummes, archevêque métropolitain de São Paulo, au cours d’une homélie où il annonçait à ses diocésains les prochaines béatifications, leur disait :

« Ainsi, le Brésil, tout au début de son histoire, fut baigné par le sang de ses enfants, comme de véritables martyrs de la foi catholique. En célébrant maintenant le Grand Jubilée de Jésus-Christ et les 500 ans du Brésil, la reconnaissance des ces martyrs et leur béatification de la part de l’Église, nous rempli de gratitude envers Dieu et nous stimule davantage dans la mission évangélisatrice ».

Le 5 mars 2000, à Rome, le pape Jean-Paul II procéda à la béatification de ces trente proto-martyres brésiliens, dont le sang, à n’en pas douter, fut une semence de chrétiens, comme le dit jadis Origène ; “prémices pour Dieu et l’Agneau”, affirma le Pape lors de l’homélie de béatification.

            Alphonse Rocha

SOURCE : http://nouvl.evangelisation.free.fr/ambrosio_ferro_fr.htm

CHAPELLE PAPALE POUR LA BÉATIFICATION DE 44 SERVANTS DE DIEU

HOMÉLIE DU PAPE JEAN PAUL II

Dimanche 5 mars 2000

1. "Je vais te rendre grâce [...] Dieu, mon Sauveur. Je rends grâce à ton nom car[...] tu as été mon soutien, et tu m'as délivré" (Si, 51, 1-2).

Toi, Seigneur, tu as été mon soutien! Je sens résonner dans mon coeur ces paroles du Livre du Siracide, tandis que je contemple les prodiges accomplis par Dieu dans l'existence de ces frères et soeurs dans la foi, qui ont reçu la palme du martyre. Aujourd'hui, j'ai la joie de les élever à la gloire des autels, en les présentant à l'Eglise et au monde comme un témoignage lumineux de la puissance de Dieu dans la fragilité de la personne humaine.

Toi, Dieu, tu m'as libéré! C'est ce que proclama André de Soveral, Ambrósio Francisco Ferro et vingt-huit compagnons, prêtres diocésains, laïcs et laïques; Nicolas Bunkerd Kitbamrung, prêtre diocésain; Maria Stella Adela Mardosewicz et ses dix consoeurs, soeurs professes de l'Institut de la Sainte Famille de Nazareth; Pedro Calungsod et André de Phú Yên, laïcs catéchistes.

Oui, le Tout-Puissant a été pour eux un soutien précieux dans les moments d'épreuve et ils ressentent aujourd'hui la joie de la récompense éternelle. Ces dociles serviteurs de l'Evangile, dont les noms sont pour toujours inscrits dans les cieux, bien qu'ayant vécu à des époques différentes de l'histoire et dans des milieux culturels très divers, sont unis par une expérience identique de fidélité au Christ et à l'Eglise. La même confiance inconditionnelle au Christ et à l'Eglise et la même passion profonde pour l'Evangile les unissent.

Je vais te rendre grâce, Dieu, mon Sauveur! A travers leur vie offerte pour la cause du Christ, ces nouveaux bienheureux, les premiers de l'Année jubilaire, proclament que Dieu est "Père" (cf. ibid., v. 10). Dieu est "protecteur" et "soutien" (cf. v. 2); c'est notre sauveur, qui accueille la prière de ceux qui se remettent à lui de tout leur coeur (cf. v. 11).

André de Soveral, Ambrósio Francisco Ferro et vingt-huit compagnons (Brésil)

2. Tels  sont les sentiments qui envahissent notre coeur, en évoquant le souvenir significatif de la célébration des cinq cents ans de l'évangélisation du Brésil, qui a lieu cette année. Dans cet immense pays, l'implantation de l'Evangile se heurta à de nombreuses difficultés. La présence de l'Eglise s'est affirmée lentement à travers l'action missionnaire des divers ordres et congrégations religieuses et de prêtres du clergé diocésain. Les martyrs qui sont béatifiés aujourd'hui proviennent des communautés de Cunhaú et Uruaçu do Rio Grande do Norte, à la fin du XVII siècle. André de Soveral, Ambrósio Francisco Ferro, prêtres, et vingt-huit compagnons laïcs, appartiennent à cette génération de martyrs qui ont irrigué la terre de leur patrie, la rendant fertile pour les générations des nouveaux chrétiens. Ils sont les prémices de l'oeuvre missionnaire, les proto-martyrs du Brésil. L'un d'entre eux, Mateus Moreira, était encore vivant lorsqu'on lui arracha le coeur de la colonne vertébrale, mais il eut encore la force de proclamer sa foi dans l'Eucharistie en disant:  "Loué soit le Très Saint Sacrement".

Aujourd'hui, une fois de plus, résonnent ces paroles du Christ, rappelées dans l'Evangile:  "Ne craignez rien de ceux qui tuent le corps, mais ne peuvent tuer l'âme" (Mt 10, 28). Le sang des catholiques sans défense, dont un grand nombre anonymes, - enfants, personnes âgées et familles entières - servira d'encouragement pour renforcer la foi des nouvelles générations de Brésiliens, en rappelant surtout les valeurs de la famille comme éducatrice de la foi et génératrice de valeurs morales.

Nicolas Bunkerd Kitbamrung (Thaïlande)

3. Je louerai ton nom continuellement, je le chanterai dans la reconnaissance" (Si 51, 10). La vie sacerdotale du Père Nicolas Bunkerd Kitbamrung fut un authentique hymne de louange au Seigneur. Homme de prière, le Père Nicolas se distingua par sa façon d'enseigner la foi, de chercher les non-pratiquants et dans sa charité envers les pauvres. Recherchant constamment à faire connaître le Christ à ceux qui n'avaient jamais entendu son nom, le Père Nicolas entreprit une difficile mission à travers les montagnes jusqu'en Birmanie. La force de sa foi apparut de façon visible lorsqu'il pardonna ceux qui l'avaient faussement accusé, privé de ses libertés et fait tant souffrir. En prison, le Père Nicolas réconforta ses compagnons de cellule, enseigna le catéchisme et administra les sacrements. Son témoignage du Christ illustra les paroles de saint Paul:  "Nous sommes pressés de toute part, mais non pas écrasés; ne sachant qu'espérer, mais non désespérés; persécutés, mais non abandonnés;  terrassés,  mais  non annihilés. Nous portons partout et toujours en notre corps les souffrances de mort de Jésus, pour que la vie de Jésus soit, elle aussi, manifestée dans notre corps" (2 Co 4, 8-10). A travers l'intercession du Bienheureux Nicolas, puisse l'Eglise qui est en Thaïlande être bénie et renforcée dans l'oeuvre d'évangélisation et de service.

Maria Stella Mardosewicz et dix consoeurs (Pologne)

4. Dieu a été un véritable "soutien et protecteur"également pour les martyres de Nowogródek - pour la bienheureuse Maria Stella Mardosewicz et ses dix consoeurs, soeurs professes de la Congrégation de la Sainte Famille de Nazareth. Il fut pour elles un soutien durant toute leur vie, puis, au moment de la terrible épreuve, lorsque, pendant une nuit entière, elles attendirent la mort; il le fut surtout le long du chemin vers le lieu de l'exécution, et, à la fin, au moment où elles furent fusillées.

D'où puisèrent-elles la force de se donner en échange du salut des condamnés de la prison de Nowogródek? D'où tirèrent-elles l'audace d'accepter avec courage la condamnation à mort si cruelle et injuste? Dieu les avait préparées peu à peu à ce moment d'épreuve suprême. La semence de la grâce, plantée dans leur coeur au moment du saint baptême, puis cultivée avec un grand soin et responsabilité, s'enracina et donna le fruit le plus beau qui est le don de la vie. Le Christ dit:  "Nul n'a plus grand amour que celui-ci:  donner sa vie pour ses amis" (Jn 15, 13). Non, il n'y a pas d'amour plus grand que celui-ci:  être prêt à donner sa vie pour ses frères.

Nous vous remercions, ô bienheureuses martyres de Nowogródek, pour votre témoignage d'amour, pour votre exemple d'héroïsme chrétien et pour votre confiance dans la force de l'Esprit Saint. "C'est le Christ qui vous a choisis et qui vous a établis afin que vous portiez du fruit et que votre fruit demeure" (cf. Jn 15, 16). Vous êtes le plus grand héritage de la Congrégation de la Sainte Famille de Nazareth. Vous êtes l'héritage de toute l'Eglise du Christ pour toujours!

Pedro Calungsod (Philippines)

5. "Quiconque se déclarera pour moi devant les hommes, moi aussi je me déclarerai pour lui devant mon Père qui est dans les cieux" (Mt 10, 32). Depuis son enfance, Pedro Calungsod s'est déclaré sans hésitation pour le Christ et a répondu avec générosité à son appel. Les jeunes d'aujourd'hui peuvent puiser un encouragement et une force de l'exemple de Pedro, dont l'amour de Jésus l'inspira à consacrer ses années d'adolescent à enseigner la foi en tant que catéchiste laïc. Quittant sa famille et ses amis, Pedro accepta le défi que lui proposa le Père Diego de San Vitores de le rejoindre à la Mission des Chamorros. Dans un esprit de foi, marqué par une profonde dévotion eucharistique et mariale, Pedro entreprit la tâche difficile qui lui était demandée et affronta avec courage les obstacles et les difficultés qu'il rencontra. Face au danger immédiat, Pedro n'abandonna pas le Père Diego, mais, en tant "que bon soldat du Christ", il préféra mourir aux côtés du missionnaire. Aujourd'hui,  le  bienheureux  Pedro Calungsod intercède auprès des jeunes, en particulier ceux de sa terre natale des Philippines, et il leur lance un défi. Chers amis, n'hésitez pas à suivre l'exemple de Pedro, qui est "devenu agréable à Dieu, [...] a été aimé" (Sg 4, 10) et qui, devenu parfait en si peu de temps, fournit une longue carrière (cf. ibid., v. 13).

André de Phú Yên (Viêt-nam)

6. "Celui qui se prononcera pour moi devant les hommes, moi aussi je me prononcerai pour lui devant mon Père qui est aux cieux" (Mt 10, 32). Cette parole du Seigneur, André, de Phú Yên, au Viêt-nam, l'a faite sienne avec une intensité héroïque. Depuis le jour où il reçut le Baptême, à l'âge de seize ans, il s'attacha à développer une profonde vie spirituelle. Au milieu des difficultés auxquelles étaient soumis ceux qui adhéraient à la foi chrétienne, il a vécu en témoin fidèle du Christ ressuscité et, sans relâche, il a annoncé l'Evangile à ses frères au sein de l'association des catéchistes "Maison Dieu". Par amour pour le Seigneur, il a consacré toutes ses forces au service de l'Eglise, assistant les prêtres dans leur mission. Il persévéra jusqu'au don du sang, pour demeurer fidèle à l'amour de Celui à qui il s'était donné totalement. Les paroles qu'il répétait en s'avançant résolument sur le chemin du martyre sont l'expression de ce qui anima toute son existence:  "Rendons amour pour amour à notre Dieu, rendons vie pour vie".

Le bienheureux André, proto-martyr du Viêt-nam, est aujourd'hui donné en modèle à l'Eglise de son pays. Puissent tous les disciples du Christ trouver en lui force et soutien dans l'épreuve, et avoir le souci d'affermir leur intimité avec le Seigneur, leur connaissance du mystère chrétien, leur fidélité à l'Eglise et leur sens de la mission!

"Soyez donc sans crainte"

7. "Soyez donc sans crainte" (Mt 10, 31). Telle est l'invitation du Christ. Telle est l'exhortation des nouveaux bienheureux, restés forts dans leur amour pour Dieu et pour leurs frères, même parmi les épreuves. L'invitation nous arrive comme un encouragement au cours de l'Année jubilaire, temps de conversion et de profond renouveau spirituel. Que les épreuves et les difficultés ne nous effrayent pas; que les obstacles ne nous ralentissent pas pour accomplir des choix courageux et cohérents avec l'Evangile!

Que pouvons-nous craindre si Dieu est avec nous? Pourquoi douter si nous restons du côté du Christ et prenons l'engagement et la responsabilité d'être ses disciples? Puisse la célébration du Jubilé nous renforcer dans cette volonté ferme de suivre l'Evangile. Les nouveaux bienheureux sont pour nous des exemples et nous offrent leur aide.

Que Marie, Reine des Martyrs, qui au pied de la Croix, à partagé jusqu'au bout le sacrifice de son Fils, nous soutienne dans le témoignage courageux de notre foi!

© Copyright - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

SOURCE : http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/fr/homilies/2000/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_20000305_beatifications.html

L’Eglise compte 35 nouveaux Saints, dont 33 martyrs

Le Pape François a présidé la messe et la canonisation de bienheureux parmi lesquels 30 martyrs brésiliens, 3 martyrs mexicains et deux prêtres européens.

(RV) Le Pape François a présidé ce dimanche la messe et la canonisation de bienheureux parmi lesquels les martyrs brésiliens André de Soveral, Ambroise François Ferroet leurs 27 compagnons, dont un français, Jean Lostau Navarro ; 3 martyrs mexicains Christophe, Faustin et Jean tués alors qu’ils étaient encore adolescents entre 1527 et 1529 ; l’espagnol Faustino Miguez, prêtre et fondateur en 1885 de la Congrégation des Sœurs Calasanciennes qui se consacrent à l’éducations des jeunes filles, et un italien, Angelo da Acri, décédé en 1739 après avoir prêché dans l’Italie méridionale.

Revenant sur l’Évangile de ce dimanche, qui parle du Royaume de Dieu comme de la célébration de noces, François commence son homélie en soulignant que le Seigneur désire «célébrer les noces» avec chacun d’entre nous. Des noces qui inaugurent la communion de toute la vie, et qui font de nous des serviteurs fidèles. Par cette noce, poursuit François le Seigneur nous désire, et nous invite à une relation faite de dialogue, de confiance et de pardon. C'est la définition de la vie chrétienne, faite d’amour gratuit, et qui peut conduire jusqu’au don total de soi, jusqu’à donner la vie pour le Seigneur.

Les saints canonisés ce dimanche indiquent cette voie. Ils n’ont pas dit «oui» au Seigneur pour un certain temps, «mais par leur vie et jusqu’au bout» dit François. La vie chrétienne n’est pas une routine qui se contente de normalité sans enthousiasme et sans élan, et surtout avec la mémoire courte. Nous devons nous rappeler constamment du premier amour, du premier «oui»dit au Seigneur lorsque par le baptême, il nous a invités à la noce.

L’invitation peut aussi être refusée, et c’est précisément ce que rappelle l’évangile de Saint Mathieu. Lorsque le Roi invite les serviteurs à la noce de son fils, de nombreux invités ont répondu «non» et son allés qui au camp, qui à son commerce, détournés par leurs intérêts, plutôt que d’accepter de se mettre en jeu. En se comportant ainsi, lorsqu’on préfère s’asseoir sur des sécurités, sur des commodités, on s’assoit sur les fauteuils des gains, des plaisirs, de quelque hobby qui rend joyeux, on finit par vieillir vite et mal, dit le Saint Père, «on devient rigide et méchant».

L’Evangile nous demande de quel côté se positionner. Du côté de son propre égoïsme ou du côté de Dieu. Dieu qui continue de préparer le bien même pour celui qui fait le mal, parce que l’amour est toujours plus fort que le mal. Lorsque nous lui répondons «non», Dieu ne se résigne pas. Il continue de nous inviter à la fête, il répond avec un amour toujours plus grand et ne perd jamais l’espérance, et aujourd’hui encore, il nous appelle à « dépasser la résignation et les caprices de notre moi susceptible et paresseux ».

Enfin, l’Évangile souligne que le vêtement des invités à la noce du fils du Roi est indispensable. Accepter l’invitation de Dieu n’est pas suffisant. Encore faut-il se revêtir chaque jour de l’amour de Dieu. Cet habit est aussi le vêtement blanc que nous avons reçu dans le baptême, l’habit nuptial de Dieu que nous devons endosser chaque jour et maintenir propre en allant recevoir sans peur le pardon du Seigneur.

SOURCE : https://www.vaticannews.va/fr/pape/news/2017-10/l_eglise-compte-35-nouveaux-saints--dont-33-martyrs.html

Saint Ambrosio Francisco Ferro

Memorial

• 3 October

Profile

Priest. One of the Martyrs of Brazil murdered by Calvinist fanatics.

Died

• 3 October 1645 at Uruacu, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Venerated

• 21 December 1998 by Pope John Paul II (decree of martyrdom)

Beatified

• 5 March 2000 at Rome, Italy by Pope John Paul II

Canonized

• 15 October 2017 by Pope Francis
• canonization recognition celebrated at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Italy presided by Pope Francis

SOURCE : https://catholicsaints.info/saint-ambrosio-francisco-ferro/

Martyrs of Brazil

Memorial

• 3 October

Profile

On 25 December 1597 an expedition of colonists, with two Jesuit and two Franciscan evangelists, arrived at Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The region was colonized by Portuguese Catholics, but was invaded by Dutch Calvinists who soon took over the whole territory. They immediately made a policy of the persecution of Catholics. On Sunday 16 July 1645 at Cunhau, Brazil, 69 people were gathered in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Candles for Mass celebrated by Father Andre de Soveral. At the moment of the elevation a group of Dutch soldiers attack the Chapel, murdering many of the faithful including Father Andre; the parishioners died professing their faith, and asking pardon for their sins. On 3 October 1645 200 armed Indians and a band of Flemish troops, led by a fanatical Calvinist convert, hacked to death an unknown number of people of Rio Grande including

• Saint Ambrosio Francisco Ferro
• Saint André de Soveral
• Saint Antônio Baracho
• Saint Antônio Vilela
• Saint Antônio Vilela Cid
• Saint Diogo Pereira
• Saint Domingos Carvalho
• Saint Estêvão Machado de Miranda
• Saint Francisco de Bastos
• Saint Francisco Mendes Pereira
• Saint João da Silveira
• Saint João Lostau Navarro
• Saint João Martins
• Saint José do Porto
• Saint Manuel Rodrigues de Moura
• Saint Mateus Moreira
• Saint Simão Correia
• Saint Vicente de Souza Pereira

and other lay people whose names have not come down to us.

Died

• 1645

Beatified

• 5 March 2000 at Rome, Italy by Pope John Paul II

Canonized

• 15 October 2017 by Pope Francis
• canonization recognition celebrated at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Italy presided by Pope Francis

SOURCE : http://catholicsaints.info/martyrs-of-brazil/

BEATIFICATION OF 44 SERVANTS OF GOD

  HOMILY OF THE HOLY FATHER 

Sunday, 5 March 2000

1. "I will praise you, O God my Saviour; I will give thanks to your name, for you have been ... my helper and have delivered my body" (Sir 51: 1-2).

You, Lord, have been my helper! I hear these words from the Book of Sirach echoing in my heart as I contemplate the wonders God has wrought in the lives of these brothers and sisters in the faith who have won the palm of martyrdom. Today I have the joy of raising them to the glory of the altars, presenting them to the Church and to the world as a shining witness to God's power in the frailty of the human person.

You, Lord, have delivered me! This is the cry of André de Soveral, Ambrósio Francisco Ferro and 28 Companions, diocesan priests, lay men and women; Nicolas Bunkerd Kitbamrung, diocesan priest; Maria Stella Adela Mardosewicz and 10 professed sisters of the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth; Pedro Calungsod and Andrew of Phú Yên, lay catechists.

Yes, the Almighty was their powerful help in their time of trial and now they are experiencing the joy of eternal reward. Although these humble servants of the Gospel, whose names are for ever written in heaven, lived in different historical periods and in very diverse cultural contexts, they are linked by an identical experience of fidelity to Christ and to the Church. They are united by the same unconditional trust in the Lord and the same deep passion for the Gospel.

I will praise you, O God my Saviour! With their lives offered for the cause of Christ, these new blesseds, the first of the Jubilee Year, proclaim that God is "Father" (cf. ibid., v. 10), God is "protector" and "helper" (cf. v.2); he is our Saviour who listens to the appeals of those who trust in him with all their heart (cf. v. 11).

2. These are the sentiments that fill our hearts as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the evangelization of Brazil, which occurs this year. In this immense country, the implanting of the Gospel encountered many difficulties. The Church's presence was gradually strengthened through the missionary activity of various orders and religious congregations and by priests of the diocesan clergy. The martyrs beatified today came, at the end of the 17th century, from the communities of Cunhaú and Uruaçu in Rio Grande do Norte. Fr André de Soveral, Fr Ambrósio Francisco Ferro and 28 lay companions belong to this generation of martyrs who watered their homeland, making it fertile for a generation of new Christians. They are the first fruits of the missionary work, the protomartyrs of Brazil. One of these, Mateus Moreira, had his heart ripped out through his back while he was still alive, and yet he had the strength to proclaim his faith in the Eucharist, saying:  "Praised be the Blessed Sacrament".

Today, the words of Christ recalled in the Gospel ring out again:  "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul" (Mt 10: 28). The blood of defenceless Catholics, many of whose names are unknown - children, the elderly, whole families - will be an incentive for strengthening the faith of new generations of Brazilians, reminding them especially of the value of the family as an authentic and irreplaceable teacher of faith and moral values.

3. "I shall praise your name unceasingly and gratefully sing its praises" (Sir 51: 10). Fr Nicolas Bunkerd Kitbamrung's priestly life was an authentic hymn of praise to the Lord. A man of prayer, Fr Nicolas was outstanding in teaching the faith, in seeking out the lapsed, and in his charity towards the poor. Constantly seeking to make Christ known to those who had never heard his name, Fr Nicolas undertook the difficulties of a mission through the mountains and into Burma. The strength of his faith was made clear to all when he forgave those who falsely accused him, deprived him of his freedom and made him suffer much. In prison, Fr Nicolas encouraged his fellow prisoners, taught the catechism and administered the sacraments. His witness to Christ exemplified the words of St Paul:  "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies" (2 Cor 4: 8-10).

Through the intercession of Bl. Nicolas, may the Church in Thailand be blessed and strengthened in the work of evangelization and service.

4. God was also a true "protector and helper" for the martyrs of Nowogródek - for Bl. Maria Stella Mardosewicz and her 10 sisters, professed religious of the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth. For them he was a helper throughout their lives and at the moment of their terrible test, when for an entire night they awaited death; he was a helper especially on the way to the place of execution, and finally at the moment they were shot.

Where did these women find the strength to give themselves in exchange for the lives of imprisoned residents of Nowogródek? From where did they draw the courage to accept calmly the death sentence that was so cruel and unjust? God had slowly prepared them for this moment of greater trial. He sowed the seed of his grace in their hearts at the time of holy Baptism and then, tended with great care and responsibility, it developed firm roots and bore the most beautiful fruit, which is the gift of life. Christ says:  "There is no greater love than this:  to lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn 15: 13). Yes, there is no greater love than this:  to be ready to lay down one's life for one's brothers and sisters.

We thank you, O blessed martyrs of Nowogródek, for your witness of love, for your example of Christian heroism and for your trust in the power of the Holy Spirit. "Christ chose and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit in your lives and that your fruit should abide" (cf. Jn 15: 16). You are the greatest inheritance of the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth. You are the inheritance of the whole Church of Christ for ever!

5. "If anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven" (Mt 10: 32). From his childhood, Pedro Calungsod declared himself unwaveringly for Christ and responded generously to his call. Young people today can draw encouragement and strength from the example of Pedro, whose love of Jesus inspired him to devote his teenage years to teaching the faith as a lay catechist. Leaving family and friends behind, Pedro willingly accepted the challenge put to him by Fr Diego de San Vitores to join him on the Mission to the Chamorros. In a spirit of faith, marked by strong Eucharistic and Marian devotion, Pedro undertook the demanding work asked of him and bravely faced the many obstacles and difficulties he met. In the face of imminent danger, Pedro would not forsake Fr Diego, but as a "good soldier of Christ" preferred to die at the missionary's side. Today Bl. Pedro Calungsod intercedes for the young, in particular those of his native Philippines, and he challenges them. Young friends, do not hesitate to follow the example of Pedro, who "pleased God and was loved by him" (Wis 4: 10) and who, having come to perfection in so short a time, lived a full life (cf. ibid., v. 13).

6. "If anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven" (Mt 10: 32). Andrew of Phú Yên in Viêt Nam made these words of the Lord his own with heroic intensity. From the day he received Baptism at the age of 16, he strove to develop a deep spiritual life. Amid the difficulties to which all who adhered to the Christian faith were subjected, he lived as a faithful witness to the risen Christ and tirelessly proclaimed the Gospel in the "Maison Dieu" association of catechists. For love of the Lord he spent all his energy in serving the Church and assisting priests in their mission. He persevered to the point of bloodshed in order to remain faithful to the love of the One to whom he had totally given himself.

The words he repeated as he resolutely advanced on the path of martyrdom are the expression of what motivated his whole life:  "Let us return love for love to our God, let us return life for life".

Today Bl. Andrew, protomartyr of Viêt Nam, is given as a model to the Church of his country.

May all Christ's disciples find in him strength and support in trial, and be concerned to strengthen their intimacy with the Lord, their knowledge of the Christian mystery, their fidelity to the Church and their sense of mission!

7. "Fear not, therefore" (Mt 10: 31). This is Christ's invitation. It is also the exhortation of the new blesseds, who remained steadfast in their love of God and of their brothers and sisters, even in the midst of trial. This invitation comes to us as an encouragement in the Jubilee Year, a time for conversion and profound spiritual renewal. Let us not be afraid of trials and difficulties; may we not be hindered by obstacles from making courageous decisions consistent with the Gospel!

What do we have to fear, if Christ is with us? Why doubt, if we remain on Christ's side and accept the commitment and responsibility of being his disciples? May the celebration of the Jubilee strengthen our determination to follow the Gospel. The new blesseds are an example to us and they offer us their help.

May Mary, Queen of Martyrs, who at the foot of the Cross shared fully in her Son's sacrifice, sustain us in courageously bearing witness to our faith!

© Copyright 2000 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

SOURCE : http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/2000/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_20000305_beatifications.html

CANONISATION OF THE HOLY MARTYRS OF NATAL, BRAZIL AND TLAXCALA, MEXICO

Posted at 07:00h in Featured, News, Postulation

CANONISATION ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15TH, 2017

The Holy Martyrs of Natal, Brazil and Tlaxcala, Mexico

The OFM General Postulator was given the task of preparing two special Positiones during 2015 and 2016. The first was for the canonisation of the Blessed André de Soveral, Bl. Ambrosio Francisco Ferro, Bl. Mateus Moreira and their 27 lay companions, protomartyrs of Brazil. The second was for the canonisation of the youths Blessed Cristóbal, Bl. Antonio and Bl. Juan, protomartyrs of Mexico. The favourable decision regarding the canonisation of the two groups of Blesseds was made during an ordinary session on March 14th, 2017, by the Cardinals and Bishops of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. A number of factors led to their decision including the joint request from the Episcopal Conferences of Mexico and Brazil; the spread of devotion to the Blesseds and the evidence of graces and favours obtained through their intercession; the pastoral importance of devotion to the martyrs; and the contemporary relevance of their message. Subsequently, on March 28th, 2017, the Holy Father authorised the publication of this Decision and then, during a consistory held on April 20th, 2017, fixed the date of the solemn Canonisation.

Blessed André de Soveral and Bl. Ambrósio Francisco Ferro, diocesan priests, Bl. Mateus Moreira and 27 Lay Companions

These Blessed martyrs met their deaths during the wars of religion which resulted in huge bloodshed in Europe and its colonies during the 16th and 17th centuries. They gave their lives in faithfulness to Catholicism and to the Roman Pontiff, and were victims of hatred and persecution of one set of Christians by another set of Christians, divided by doctrinal differences.

The evangelisation of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil) began in 1597, and was led by Jesuit missionaries and diocesan priests from the Catholic Kingdom of Portugal. In the decades following, the arrival of Dutch Calvinists had the effect of restrictions being placed on the religious liberty of Catholics, and the emergence of persecution against them. The 30 martyrs were killed in two separate incidents. The first took place in Cunhaú on July 16th, 1645, at the Chapel of Our Lady of Candles; as the pastor, André de Soveral, celebrated Sunday Mass, a troop of Dutch soldiers accompanied by indigenous people, stormed the holy place and massacred the defenceless faithful. The second happened on October 3rd, 1645. The Catholics of Natal, terrified by what had happened previously, sought safety in improvised refuges, but in vain. They were taken prisoner along with their pastor, Ambrósio Francisco Ferro, and brought to Uruaçu where Dutch soldiers and about 200 indigenous people awaited them, all full of an aversion to Catholics. The faithful and their pastor were treated in a horrendous fashion and allowed to die following terrible mutilations.

Only thirty of the faithful could be identified with certainty, and their names are those proposed for canonisation. These are: Fr. André de Soveral, pastor and Domingo Carvalho, layman, killed in Cunhaú; Fr. Ambrósio Francisco Ferro, pastor, Mateus Moreira, Antônio Vilela Junior and his daughter, José do Porto, Francisco de Bastos, Diogo Pereira, João Lostão Navarro, Antônio Vilela Cid, Estêvão Machado de Miranda and two daughters, Vicente de Souza Pereira, Francisco Mendes Pereira, João da Silveira, Simão Correia, Antônio Baracho, João Martins and seven companions, Manuel Rodrigues Moura and his wife, a daughter of Francisco Dias Junior, killed in Uruaçu.

The memory of their martyrdom has been preserved in an uninterrupted tradition up to this day. However, since the beginning of the 20th century, understanding of the religious motivation for the killing of the Martyrs of Rio Grande do Norte has deepened, and practical steps for instructing the Process of Beatification began in earnest in 1989. During the celebration of the Jubilee Year in 2000, St. John Paul II then proceeded to the Solemn Beatification of the martyrs of Rio Grande do Norte, Protomartyrs of Brazil.

Blessed Martyrs Cristóbal, Antonio e Juan, Adolescents (1527-1529)

The blessed Cristóbal, Antonio and Juan, martyrs for the Christian faith, are considered by historians the Protomartyrs of Mexico and of the whole American continent, first fruits of evangelization of the new world. Their death is placed in the years 1527-1529, before the Marian event of Guadalupe (1531), when they were still very young. Their biographical information is scarce, but common to all three was a solid Christian education received from the early Franciscan Missionaries who along with Dominicans in 1524 set foot in Mexico, then called New Spain. The missionaries were interested in undertaking an extensive and solid evangelization and the promotion of human and religious formation among the native population, trying first to eliminate beliefs, superstitions and tribal rites in stark contrast with Christian faith and practice. In fact, they wanted to preserve the population from the most negative expression of idolatrous rituals, which unfortunately included human sacrifices as well as violent and immoral behavior.

The first of the blessed martyrs was Cristóbal, also called with the diminutive “Cristobalito”; He was born in Atlihuetzía (Tlaxcala) between 1514 and 1515 and was the favorite son and heir of the main Cacique Acxotecatl. He readily followed the example of his three brothers, who in 1524 had been schooled by the Friars Minor. Cristóbal received instruction in the Christian faith, and spontaneously requested baptism. In a short time he became an apostle for the Gospel among his relatives and acquaintances. Indeed, set out to convert his father urging him to change his habits, especially his drunkenness. His father ignored his pleas and Cristobal began break the idols present in his home. Unfortunately the pagan faith of his father was superior to its parental affection; so in a fit of rage he cruelly beat his son to a pulp. In his pain Cristóbal continued to pray, and his father threw him into a lit pyre. The father then secretly buried her son. The martyrdom occurred in 1527, when Cristóbal was only 13 years old.

Antonio and Juan were born between 1516 and 1517 in Tizatlán (Tlaxcala), Antonio was grandson and heir of the local Caciques, while Juan, of humble condition, was his servant: both attended the school of the Friars Minor. In 1529 the Dominican missionaries decided to establish a mission in Oaxaca; Consequently, passing through Tlaxcala the Dominican Friar Bernardino Minaya, asked Friar Martin of Valencia, Franciscan Director of the school, to point out some young men who might volunteer to accompany him as interpreters at the Natives. Meeting the school boys, Friar Martin asked who was available for such a task, warning however that it was a life threatening and dangerous task; immediately the thirteen-year-old boys Antonio and Juan came forth together with another noble young man named Diego (who did not die a martyr). The group arrived in Tepeaca and the youth helped the missionaries collect idols. In one occasion some Natives, enraged and armed with canes, approached and beat Juan to death as well as Antonio who rushed to his aid.

The historical fact of the murder of the three young men Cristóbal, Antonio and Juan, was immediately after their death, regarded as a martyrdom, that is it was done out of hatred for the faith. This conviction, supported by documentary evidence was kept alive over the centuries allowing for their beatification by St. Pope John Paul II on 6 May 1990 in the shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

SOURCE : https://ofm.org/blog/canonisation-holy-martyrs-natal-brazil-tlaxcala-mexico/

Santi Ambrogio Francesco Ferro e 27 compagni Martiri

3 ottobre

>>> Visualizza la Scheda del Gruppo cui appartiene

† Uruaçu, Brasile, 3 ottobre 1645

Don Ambrósio Francisco Ferro, sacerdote della diocesi di Natal in Brasile, cercò rifugio insieme ai fedeli della parrocchia della Madonna della Presentazione, a lui affidata, in seguito al massacro avvenuto, il 16 luglio 1645, nella chiesa della Madonna delle Candele a Cunhaú. Bloccati dalle autorità olandesi, di confessione calvinista, parroco e fedeli furono condotti sulla riva del fiume Uruaçu: vennero a lungo torturati e morirono in seguito alle sevizie. Don Ambrósio rese l’anima a Dio il 3 ottobre 1645. Dei suoi compagni, sono noti i nomi solo di 15, mentre i restanti erano loro parenti. La loro causa fu unita a quella di padre André de Soveral e di Domingos Carvalho, tra gli uccisi del 16 luglio 1645: tutti e 30 sono stati beatificati il 5 marzo 2000 e canonizzati domenica 15 ottobre 2017.

Martirologio Romano: Sulla riva del fiume Uruaçu vicino a Natal in Brasile, beati Ambrogio Francesco Ferro, sacerdote, e compagni, martiri, vittime della repressione perpetrata contro la fede cattolica.

Il contesto storico

L’evangelizzazione nel Rio Grande do Norte, Stato del Nord-Est del Brasile, fu iniziata nel 1597 da missionari Gesuiti e sacerdoti diocesani, provenienti dal cattolico Portogallo, cominciando con la catechesi degli indios e con la formazione delle prime comunità cristiane.

Negli anni seguenti ci furono sbarchi di francesi e olandesi, intenzionati a scalzare dai luoghi colonizzati i portoghesi: gli olandesi ci riuscirono nel 1630. Di confessione calvinista, accompagnati dai loro pastori, determinarono nella zona, fino allora pacifica, una restrizione della libertà di culto: in pratica, i cattolici furono perseguitati.

All’epoca, nel Rio Grande do Norte, c’erano soltanto due parrocchie: a Cunhaú, la parrocchia della Madonna della Purificazione o delle Candele, guidata dal parroco don André de Soveral, già membro della Compagnia di Gesù; a Natal, la parrocchia della Madonna della Presentazione, il cui parroco era don Ambrósio Francisco Ferro.

Il martirio dei cattolici di Natal

Ambedue le parrocchie furono vittime della dura persecuzione religiosa calvinista: i fedeli di Cunhaú furono massacrati il 16 luglio 1645, insieme al loro parroco.

Presi dal terrore di quanto accaduto a Cunhaú, i cattolici di Natal, cercarono di mettersi in salvo rifugiandosi in alcuni improvvisati rifugi. Un gruppo di 80 persone si nascose in una fortezza nel comune di Potengi, ma fu tutto inutile: venne inviato dalle autorità olandesi in un posto stabilito a Uruaçu.

Il 3 ottobre 1645 furono uccisi lì da alcuni soldati e da circa 200 indios comandati dal capo indigeno Antonio Paraopaba, il quale, convertitosi al protestantesimo calvinista, nutriva una vera e propria avversione verso i cattolici.

João Lostau Navarro

Nacque nel Regno di Navarra, all’epoca compreso nel territorio francese. Aveva ottimi contatti coi Gesuiti che operavano nel Rio Grande do Norte: si sa che, in occasione del matrimonio di una sua figlia, stabilì, tra le condizioni della dote, che ogni anno si celebrassero 24 Messe per la sua anima.

Aveva anche buone relazioni con gli olandesi: un’altra sua figlia sposò il tenente colonnello Joris Gartsman, comandante del Forte dei Re Magi.

Era pescatore e il suo porto, probabilmente, era collocato nelle vicinanze della spiaggia di Barra de Tabatinga, a qualche chilometro da Natal. Fu tra i fedeli che vennero condotti a Uruaçu per essere uccisi.

Antônio Vilela Cid

Nativo della Castiglia spagnola, si trovava nel Rio Grande già nel 1613, come proprietario terriero. Dal re Filippo II, che dal 1580 era re di Spagna e Portogallo, ebbe la funzione di capitano, ma non assunse mai di fatto l’incarico. Nel 1620, invece, era giudice ordinario di Várzea do Trairi.

Sposò dona Inês Duarte, sorella di don Ambrósio Francisco Ferro. Prima del martirio fu accolto nel Forte dei Re Magi, poi venne accusato da un capo indigeno, Janduí, di connivenza nell’assassinio di un olandese nel Ceará e di essere coinvolto nella cospirazione contro i colonizzatori.

Furono martirizzati con lui vari membri della sua famiglia: suo figlio Antônio Vilela il Giovane, suo cognato don Ambrosio, suo genero Estêvão Machado de Miranda, sposato con sua figlia Bárbara, e tre nipotine.

Antônio Vilela il Giovane e sua figlia

Figlio di Antônio Vilela Cid, venne condotto dal Forte dei Re Magi a Uruaçu. Non è conosciuto il nome della figlia, ma era una bambina.

Estêvão Machado de Miranda e le sue due figlie

Era sposato con Barbara, figlia di Antônio Vilela Cid. Nel 1643 faceva parte della Camera degli Escabinos, una sorta di municipio presieduto dagli olandesi. Insieme al tenente colonnello Gartsman, andò in missione a Recife, per protestare contro il Supremo Consiglio Olandese riguardo i soprusi di Jacó Rabe (detto anche Jacob Rabbi) e i suoi sodali.

Rifugiatosi a Potengi, passò al Forte dei Re Magi e, da lì, a Uruaçu. Fu ucciso di fronte a una sua figlia, di sette anni, che supplicò invano che il padre venisse risparmiato. Dopo la sua morte, la figlia gli coprì il viso e chiese di essere uccisa anche lei. Probabilmente, invece, sia lei sia sua madre Barbara furono risparmiate. Un’altra figlia più anziana venne venduta come schiava agli indios.

Delle due bambine martirizzate con lui non si sa il nome, ma è accertato che una di esse aveva circa due mesi.

Manuel Rodrigues de Moura e sua moglie

Il nome di lui è noto tramite il racconto dell’uccisione di sua moglie, che viene ricordata solo per l’amore che l’unì a lui in vita e in morte.

José do Porto, Francisco de Bastos e Diogo Pereira

Furono accolti nel Forte dei Re Magi con don Ambrósio Francisco Ferro e Antônio Vilela Cid.

Vicente de Souza Pereira, Francisco Mendes Pereira, João da Silveira e Simão Correia

Insieme a Estêvão Machado de Miranda, furono prelevati dal fortino di Potengi al Forte dei Re Magi e uccisi in un primo gruppo di dodici persone.

João Martins e sette compagni

I cronisti raccontano che, a un certo punto, gli indios domandarono che otto giovani venissero risparmiati. Gli olandesi accettarono, a patto che i giovani combattessero contro il Portogallo. Tutti rifiutarono: prima furono uccisi in sette, poi, al solo João Martins, fu riproposto di passare dalla parte degli olandesi.

La sua replica fu che avrebbe sempre preso le armi contro i tiranni e non contro la propria fede, la Patria e il Re; piuttosto, avrebbero dovuto ucciderlo, in quanto invidiava la morte dei suoi compagni e la gloria cui erano andati incontro.

La figlia di Francisco Dias il Giovane

Di lei si sa solo che era una bambina e che fu squartata con una spada. Il nome di suo padre non è compreso nell’elenco dei martiri in quanto le cronache del tempo non lo menzionano direttamente, ma è molto probabile che sia stato ucciso anche lui.

Antônio Barracho

Gli olandesi lo legarono a un albero, poi gli strapparono la lingua e, al posto di essa, gli misero in bocca i genitali che gli erano stati mozzati in precedenza. Fu quindi frustato, colpito con ferro incandescente e, infine, gli venne strappato il cuore dalla gabbia toracica.

Mateus Moreira

Anche a lui fu strappato il cuore, dalle spalle, mentre ripeteva: «Sia lodato il Santissimo Sacramento».

La glorificazione dei martiri

La causa di don Ambrósio Francisco Ferro e dei suoi 27 compagni è stata unita a quella del parroco di Cunhuaú, don André de Soveral, e del laico Domingos Carvalho, ucciso con lui il 16 luglio 1645. Sono stati tutti beatificati il 5 marzo 2000 e canonizzati domenica 15 ottobre 2017.

Autore: Antonio Borrelli ed Emilia Flocchini

SOURCE : http://www.santiebeati.it/dettaglio/93258

CAPPELLA PAPALE PER LA BEATIFICAZIONE DI 44 SERVI DI DIO

OMELIA DEL SANTO PADRE GIOVANNI PAOLO II

Domenica, 5 marzo 2000

1. "Ti loderò, Dio, mio salvatore; glorificherò il tuo nome, perché ... sei stato il mio aiuto e mi hai liberato" (Sir 51, 1-2).

Tu, Signore, sei stato il mio aiuto! Sento risuonare nel cuore queste parole del Libro del Siracide, mentre contemplo i prodigi da Dio compiuti nell'esistenza di questi fratelli e sorelle nella fede, che hanno conseguito la palma del martirio. Oggi ho la gioia di elevarli alla gloria degli altari, presentandoli alla Chiesa e al mondo come luminosa testimonianza della potenza di Dio nella fragilità della persona umana.

Tu, Dio, mi hai liberato! Così proclamano André de Soveral, Ambrósio Francisco Ferro e ventotto Compagni, Sacerdoti diocesani, laici e laiche; Nicolas Bunkerd Kitbamrung, Sacerdote diocesano; Maria Stella Adela Mardosewicz e le dieci Consorelle, Suore professe dell'Istituto della Sacra Famiglia di Nazareth; Pedro Calungsod e Andrea di Phú Yên, laici catechisti.

Sì, l'Onnipotente è stato il loro valido sostegno nel tempo della prova ed ora sperimentano la gioia dell'eterna ricompensa. Questi docili servitori del Vangelo, i cui nomi sono per sempre scritti in cielo, pur vissuti in momenti storici distanti fra di loro ed in contesti culturali molto diversi, sono accomunati da un'identica esperienza di fedeltà a Cristo e alla Chiesa. Li unisce la stessa ed incondizionata fiducia nel Signore, e la medesima e profonda passione per il Vangelo.

Ti loderò, Dio, mio Salvatore! Con la loro vita offerta per la causa di Cristo, questi nuovi Beati, i primi dell'Anno giubilare, proclamano che Dio è "Padre" (cfr ibid., v. 10), Dio è "protettore" ed "aiuto" (cfr v. 2); è il nostro salvatore, che accoglie la supplica di quanti a lui si affidano con tutto il cuore (cfr v. 11).

2. São estes os sentimentos que invadem nossos corações, ao evocar a significativa lembrança da celebração dos quinhentos anos da evangelização do Brasil, que acontece este ano. Naquele imenso país, não foram poucas as dificuldades de implantação do Evangelho. A presença da Igreja foi se afirmando lentamente mediante a ação missionária de várias ordens e congregações religiosas e de sacerdotes do clero diocesano. Os mártires que hoje são beatificados saíram, no fim do século XVII (dezessete), das comunidades de Cunhaú e Uruaçu do Rio Grande do Norte. André de Soveral, Ambrósio Francisco Ferro,presbíteros e 28 (vinte e oito) companheiros leigos pertencem a esta geração de mártires que regou o solo pátrio, tornando-o fértil para a geração dos novos cristãos. Eles são as primícias do trabalho missionário, os protomártires do Brasil. Um deles, Mateus Moreira, estando ainda vivo, foi-lhe arrancado o coração das costas mas ele ainda teve forças para proclamar a sua fé na Eucaristia dizendo: “Louvado seja o Santíssimo Sacramento”.

Hoje, uma vez mais, ressoam aquelas palavras de Cristo, evocadas no Evangelho: “Não temais aqueles que matam o corpo, mas não podem matar a alma (Mc 10,28). O sangue de católicos indefesos, muitos destes anônimos, - crianças, velhos e famílias inteiras -, servirá de estímulo para fortalecer a fé das novas gerações de brasileiros, lembrando, sobretudo, o valor da família como autêntica e insubstituível formadora da fé e geradora de valores morais.

3. “I shall praise your name unceasingly and gratefully sing its praises” (Sir 51:10). Father Nicolas Bunkerd Kitbamrung’s priestly life was an authentic hymn of praise to the Lord. A man of prayer, Father Nicolas was outstanding in teaching the faith, in seeking out the lapsed, and in his charity towards the poor. Constantly seeking to make Christ known to those who had never heard his name, Father Nicolas undertook the difficulties of a mission through the mountains and into Burma. The strength of his faith was made clear to all when he forgave those who falsely accused him, deprived him of his freedom and made him suffer much. In prison, Father Nicolas encouraged his fellow prisoners, taught the catechism and administered the sacraments. His witness to Christ exemplified the words of Saint Paul: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies” (2 Cor 4:8-10). Through the intercession of Blessed Nicolas, may the Church in Thailand be blessed and strengthened in the work of evangelization and service.

4. Bóg stał się prawdziwą podporą i umocnieniem także dla Męczenniczek z Nowogródka - błogosławionej Marii Stelli Mardosewicz i dziesięciu Towarzyszek ze Zgromadzenia Sióstr Najświętszej Rodziny z Nazaretu. Był dla nich podporą przez całe życie, a zwłaszcza w chwilach straszliwej próby, kiedy całą noc oczekiwały na śmierć, a póżniej w drodze na miejsce stracenia i wreszcie w chwili rozstrzelania.

Skąd miały siłę, aby ofiarować siebie w zamian za uratowanie życia uwięzionych mieszkańców Nowogródka? Skąd czerpały odwagę, aby ze spokojem przyjąć tak okrutny i niesprawiedliwy wyrok śmierci? Bóg przygotowywał je powoli na tę chwilę największej próby. Ziarno łaski rzucone na glebę ich serc w chwili Chrztu świętego, a potem pielęgnowane z wielką troską i odpowiedzialnością, zakorzeniło się dobrze i wydało najpiękniejszy owoc, jakim jest dar ze swego życia. Mówi Chrystus: «Nikt nie ma większej miłości od tej, gdy ktoś życie swoje oddaje za przyjaciół swoich» (J 15, 13). Tak, nie ma większej miłości od tej, która gotowa jest oddać życie za swoich braci.

Dziękujemy Wam, błogosławione Męczenniczki z Nowogródka za to świadectwo miłości, za przykład chrześcijańskiego bohaterstwa i zawierzenia mocy Ducha Świętego. «Wybrał Was Chrystus i przeznaczył na to, abyście przyniosły owoc Waszego życia i by owoc Wasz trwał» (por. J 15, 16). Jesteście najcenniejszym dziedzictwem Zgromadzenia Sióstr Najświętszej Rodziny z Nazaretu. Jesteście dziedzictwem całego Kościoła Chrystusowego po wszystkie czasy.

4. Dio è stato vero “aiuto e protettore” anche per le martiri di Nowogródek - per la beata Maria Stella Mardosewicz e le dieci Consorelle, Suore professe della Congregazione della Sacra Famiglia di Nazareth. Fu per loro un aiuto durante tutta la vita e poi nel momento della terribile prova, quando per un'intera notte aspettarono la morte; lo fu soprattutto lungo il cammino verso il luogo di esecuzione e, in fine, al momento della fucilazione.

Da dove ebbero esse la forza per donare se stesse in cambio della salvezza dei condannati alla prigione di Nowogródek? Da dove trassero l'audacia per accettare con coraggio la condanna a morte così crudele e ingiusta? Dio le aveva preparate lentamente a questo momento di una più grande prova. Il seme della grazia gettato nei loro cuori nel momento del Santo Battesimo e poi coltivato con grande cura e responsabilità, mise bene le radici e diede il frutto più bello che è il dono della vita. Cristo dice: “Nessuno ha un amore più grande di questo: dare la vita per i propri amici” (Gv 15, 13). Sì, non c'è un amore più grande di questo: essere pronto a dare la vita per i fratelli.

Vi ringraziamo, o beate martiri di Nowogródek, per la testimonianza dell'amore, per l'esempio di eroismo cristiano e per l'affidamento alla forza dello Spirito Santo. “Vi ha scelto Cristo e vi ha costituiti perché portiate frutto nella vostra vita e perché il vostro frutto rimanga” (cfr Gv 15,16). Siete la più grande eredità della Congregazione della Sacra Famiglia di Nazareth. Siete l'eredità di tutta la Chiesta di Cristo per sempre!

5. “If anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven” (Mt 10:32). From his childhood, Pedro Calungsod declared himself unwaveringly for Christ and responded generously to his call. Young people today can draw encouragement and strength from the example of Pedro, whose love of Jesus inspired him to devote his teenage years to teaching the faith as a lay catechist. Leaving family and friends behind, Pedro willingly accepted the challenge put to him by Father Diego de San Vitores to join him on the Mission to the Chamorros. In a spirit of faith, marked by strong Eucharistic and Marian devotion, Pedro undertook the demanding work asked of him and bravely faced the many obstacles and difficulties he met. In the face of imminent danger, Pedro would not forsake Father Diego, but as a “good soldier of Christ” preferred to die at the missionary’s side. Today Blessed Pedro Calungsod intercedes for the young, in particular those of his native Philippines, and he challenges them. Young friends, do not hesitate to follow the example of Pedro, who “pleased God and was loved by him” (Wis 4:10) and who, having come to perfection in so short a time, lived a full life (cf. ibid., v. 13).

6. "Celui qui se prononcera pour moi devant les hommes, moi aussi je me prononcerai pour lui devant mon Père qui est aux cieux" (Mt 10, 32). Cette parole du Seigneur, André, de Phu Yên, au Viêt-Nam, l'a faite sienne avec une intensité héroïque. Depuis le jour où il reçut le Baptême, à l'âge de seize ans, il s'attacha à développer une profonde vie spirituelle. Au milieu des difficultés auxquelles étaient soumis ceux qui adhéraient à la foi chrétienne, il a vécu en témoin fidèle du Christ ressuscité et, sans relâche, il a annoncé l'Évangile à ses frères au sein de l'association des catéchistes «Maison Dieu». Par amour pour le Seigneur, il a consacré toutes ses forces au service de l'Église, assistant les prêtres dans leur mission. Il persévéra jusqu'au don du sang, pour demeurer fidèle à l'amour de Celui à qui il s'était donné totalement. Les paroles qu'il répétait en s'avançant résolument sur le chemin du martyre sont l'expression de ce qui anima toute son existence : "Rendons amour pour amour à notre Dieu, rendons vie pour vie".

Le bienheureux André, proto-martyr du Viêt-Nam, est aujourd'hui donné en modèle à l'Église de son pays. Puissent tous les disciples du Christ trouver en lui force et soutien dans l'épreuve, et avoir le souci d'affermir leur intimité avec le Seigneur, leur connaissance du mystère chrétien, leur fidélité à l'Église et leur sens de la mission !

7. "Non abbiate dunque timore" (Mt 10, 31). Questo è l'invito di Cristo. Questa è anche l'esortazione dei nuovi Beati, rimasti saldi nel loro amore a Dio e ai fratelli pur in mezzo alle prove. L'invito ci giunge come incoraggiamento nell'Anno giubilare, tempo di conversione e di profondo rinnovamento spirituale. Non ci spaventino le prove e le difficoltà; non ci rallentino gli ostacoli nel compiere scelte coraggiose e coerenti con il Vangelo!

Che possiamo temere se Cristo è con noi? Perché dubitare se rimaniamo dalla parte di Cristo e ci assumiamo l'impegno e la responsabilità di essere suoi discepoli? Possa la celebrazione del Giubileo rinsaldarci in questa decisa volontà di seguire il Vangelo. Ci sono di esempio e ci offrono il loro aiuto i nuovi Beati.

Maria, Regina dei Martiri, che ai piedi della Croce ha condiviso sino in fondo il sacrificio del Figlio, ci sostenga nel testimoniare con coraggio la nostra fede!

© Copyright 2000 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

SOURCE : http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/it/homilies/2000/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_20000305_beatifications.html