Over the past 14 years, over 50,000 Nigerian Christians have been brutally murdered at the hands of Islamist militants. A report, Martyred Christians in Nigeria, was published by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law. This is a Nigerian based research group monitoring religious persecution and violence across Nigeria since 2010.  During this time, over 18,000 churches have be set on fire along with 2,200 Christian schools. Moderate Muslims have also suffered at the hands of these militants with approximately 34,000 fatalities.  Perhaps the most infamous of these hate groups is Boko Haram, yet, other groups such as Fulani Muslim have joined in these violent acts of hate. The acts have also led to about five million Christians living as internally displaced persons within the country at refuge camps near the borders.   According to Open Doors (the international foundation that supports persecuted Christians in the world) Nigerian accounts for 89% of all Christians martyred worldwide. In the months between January 2021 and June of 2022, 7,600 Christians were murdered.  

Unfortunately, there are many in the world who are unwilling to support religious freedom. Their viewpoint is that they are justified to eliminate or destroy those who disagree with the established view. Whether it is zealousness, fear or control that motivates such thought, Christians must not give in or resort to similar practice. The very basis of Christianity is that God is love and God commands us to love God and our neighbor. Murder, violence, and persecution is never justified when one truly lives this faith. Instead, we are called to find ways to live in peace with others. Tolerance, forgiveness, justice and mercy are all tools of faith we must use to build such a world. The attempts to destroy an enemy in the name of God, ironically, only serves the Satan we oppose. With so much persecution, there is definitely opportunity to build such peace today. It begins with prayer. It opposes all hatred and hateful talk, and it fosters respect and dignity for each and every human being.

The Communion Cup.  After a long absence, we have reintroduced the cup at communion for those who wish to receive from it. As before, the option to receive is left to the individual. For those who are still uncomfortable receiving from the cup, it is not required. However, for many Catholics, being able to receive under both forms is spiritually important and we are happy to make it possible. Please remember that if you receive the cup, take it in both hands, drink, and then hand it back to the minister. Intinction (dipping the host) is not permitted.