Marist Martyrs

Prayers  are being offered globally for the 26 members of the Baptist Church outside of San Antonio, Texas who were shot to death while attending a Sunday Worship Service, as well as for the many wounded.  We choke at yet another atrocity, evil taking place in a sacred space. It brings to mind the atrocities in Civil War Spain in the 1930's when a staggering number of priests, religious, and lay people were martyred.  Pope John Paul II beatified 233 from all walks of life who were killed for professing their faith during a time of persecution, not for any political involvements.
. This group of martyrs is only a small portion of the more than 10,000 people killed and include 13 bishops, 4,154 priests and seminarians, 2,365 religious, 283 nuns and about 4,000 lay people killed for helping or hiding nuns or priests. Among the religious, 47 were Marist Brothers. Although the Thirties seem long ago, wholesale slaughter finds its niche in our day as well. These Texans, simply by being present in their Church, never expecting such a final Amen, can now join can now join them in singing Alleluia, Praise and Glory to our God.
Let us pray for the happy repose of their souls, those who mourn them,  for God's mercy on all, including the shooter, and for an end to such senseless acts of violence.
Bro. Rene