The Voice of the suffering and persecuted​

Throughout his journey, Father Landry will carry a monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament, presenting and proclaiming the Lord to fellow pilgrims and the many people he meets in parishes and chapels along the way.

Archbishop Warda said that many Christians have either left or are planning to leave the country because of the ongoing economic hardship, and that young people “ask for jobs, not just to receive donations.” He explained that, even though persecution is no longer their main concern, “the pressure of being a minority is real.”

In a statement sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Father Kazah asked for prayers for Father Ukeh’s “urgent and safe release” and condemned the “incessant kidnappings for ransom of innocent and defenseless citizens.”

“There is no peace of mind. We cannot sleep with our eyes closed. We cannot even travel short distances without fear. But we still thank God.”

Currently, with the danger of sniper fire and bombs, all residents are confined to the house, except for courageous volunteers who venture out for firewood. And on top of all their suffering, this small community in Sudan feels that the rest of the world has forgotten about them.

Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, said that Christians and other beleaguered minorities will never feel safe in their country unless false allegations of blasphemy are banned.

Martín Alberto Peña, 47, was born in Mitú and is ACN’s only donor in the entire region. He told the foundation that he is sustained by the power of prayer, because “with God, anything is possible,”

The work done with the prisoners includes talks and Masses, as well as workshops and courses on Christian values and faith. The mission has already borne fruit, according to Aleida: “We have brought Jesus to these people. We have witnessed deep conversions; we have seen Christ set these souls free.”

“As members of the same mystical body of Christ, ACN wants to support – through prayer and material assistance,” said Lynch. “We are in constant prayer for all the people there and remain available to help the local Church with any needs that arise, whether emergency or structural.”

Mexico is considered the most dangerous country for priests in Latin America. Over the past 18 years, 40 priests have been killed, including two Jesuits who were shot in a church in Chihuahua in June of 2022.