\u201cThe 21st Century: A New Era of Martyrs?\u201d<\/em><\/a>: \u201cNew witnesses to the faith are being killed by those who abuse their power or by criminal organizations because, as Christians, they oppose injustices in the name of the Gospel.\u201d<\/p>\n\nAmong these witnesses is our Sister Felisa Urrutia, who was murdered in Cagua, Venezuela, on March 19, 1991, for speaking out against injustices, defending the marginalized, and standing in solidarity especially with women who suffered under the weight of sexism and neglect.<\/p>\n\n
And surely within our Vedruna Family there are anonymous martyrs\u2014true witnesses to the faith\u2014whom we also gratefully remember and whose commitment to the Gospel and to the defense of oppressed humanity we celebrate. <\/p>\n\n
In the face of all this violence against the innocent, we say, \u201cNever again!\u201d and forgiveness and peace must prevail. If we are truly followers of Jesus and remember his words\u2014it is clear when he tells Peter that we must forgive seventy times seven\u2014that is, always. On the cross, he gives an account of human frailty: \u201cFather, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.\u201d <\/p>\n\n
For Pope Francis, forgiveness is the oxygen of the soul and of society, purifying the air polluted by hatred. It is not optional; forgiving one\u2019s neighbor is not a discretionary good deed, but a fundamental requirement for Christians.<\/p>\n\n
Pope Leo XIV outlines some key points about forgiveness: \u201cIt is essential for peace; without it, it is impossible to build a healthy society; it sets us free and restores light, allowing us to look to the future with hope; it is not synonymous with weakness or forgetting, but it prevents resentment from determining the future; it is a gift that precedes repentance, a gift of unconditional love.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
Sister Mar\u00eda Teresa Llach, ccv<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\n