The Voice of the suffering and persecuted​

“At this painful time, we invite you to pray for those who have died in the faith, that they may rest in the Lord; for the healing of the wounded; and for the consolation of those who are grieving. Let us also pray for the conversion of those who continue to sow death and desolation in our country."

The insurgency in northern Mozambique began in 2017, but attacks have increased this year. In the last few days alone, there have been several raids on towns and villages, and people have been kidnapped and killed.

When the northern hospitals stopped functioning, he moved south, searching for treatment. But because of an increase in attacks, the hospitals in southern Gaza were also unable to provide treatment, and Hani died alone, far from his wife and children.

Perhaps the greatest challenge is the distance between communities. The new diocese covers about 40,000 square miles, an area larger than Austria or Portugal. The reality the bishop describes can require extreme sacrifice.

“In 2023, we had 170,000 new families, but there were 120,000 divorces. These are the highest divorce numbers in the history of independent Ukraine. Helping these people is a big challenge for our Church."

“In order to protect Christian values, Christians must remain here in the Middle East, where these values are more deeply appreciated,” he said. “In the Western world, with its secularism and globalization, the current is sweeping everything away.”

Given the destruction and enforced closure of ecclesiastical facilities, like parishes, schools, and hospitals, , the Church in the region is struggling to care for its people. But in many places, it is the only local institution coming to anyone’s aid.

Tony has been going on this pilgrimage since he was three months old. “There are pictures of me being carried along,” he says, his voice tinged with emotion. “I am encouraged by my love for Mary, with the title of Our Lady of Lourdes, and I thank God for allowing me to accompany Our Heavenly Mother on this pilgrimage every year.”

The conflict, which pits government forces against armed resistance groups and ethnic militias, has become significantly worse over the past year, with fighting affecting almost the entire country. The current situation brings suffering to all sectors of society and poses a particular danger to vulnerable minority communities, including Christians.

They were known as "rucksack priests," and they had to cover unbelievably long distances. We know of priests who traveled for days on foot or on bicycle. They were absolutely exhausted. Father Werenfried van Straaten recognized how desperate their situation was and asked himself: "What can we do right now to help these people?"