Fr Frank writes:
My Dear Friends,
Never fail to thank God for His gift of faith and that we are privileged to live in a relatively peaceful part of the world where we can live out that faith.
Allow me to share with you news from our fellow Catholics in Nigeria (received from Aid to the Church in Need):
Sadly the violence against Christians in Nigeria has intensified in recent months.
Since the beginning of the year, numerous attacks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt have left over 100 Christians dead and forced a huge number of families to flee for their lives.
In the worst atrocity to date, Father Joseph Gor and Father Felix Tyolaha were celebrating early morning Mass at St Ignatius parish, Makurdi diocese, when the extremists struck and started firing at the parishioners indiscriminately. Both priests were killed, along with 17 of the faithful.
The atrocity which took place in Benue State, where 99% of the population are Christian, sent shockwaves across the country culminating in peaceful protest let by the Catholic Church.
Bishop Anagbe told ACN: “There is a clear agenda – a plan – to Islamise all of the areas that are currently predominantly Christian in the so-called Middle Belt of Nigeria.”
Aid to the Church in Need is offering practical help – do support them financially if you can (www.acnuk.org/nigeria or tel. 020 8642 8668). Also, please remember to pray for all our persecuted sisters and brothers throughout the world.
May the God of peace bless you today and always.
Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
A little boy couldn’t understand the verse of the hymn that says: “Satan trembles when he sees/The weakest saint upon his knees.”
“Why would anyone want to sit upon Satan’s knees?” he asked.