It is important that this is not swept away as
one of the great martyrdoms, and finds its way
into the history books.

This is real and people are hurting.

An eyewitness in 1947 leaving India said that
the railway platforms were covered in blood
during the time of partition.
Over half a million lives were wiped out in one week.

Because these were Sikhs and Hindus does not make
it any different.
It is now in countries which are predominantly democratic (but for how long?).
Sadly even Catholics are supporting “multiculturalism” !!
They support this but omit to take an interest in more sublime details, like reverence for Eucharist.
(Chatter in church both before and after mass)
They make it easy for the horrific scenario of Iraq to repeat itself elsewhere.
So much effort by some goes into keeping a church “Holy”, but
often the little people are asked to bear the burdens
unnecessarily, which often crush them.

It would make good sense for priests to read this
tragic story of genocide from the pulpit.
It would make good sense if this was read in High School so
youth can see that being Christian often comes with a
price, and look to acting responsibly. If they want a
church and a Catholic culture, then they need to be more
pro-active. Mass and Sacraments then become more meaningful.
There is a cost, a price to pay. It is not all TV and video
with Hollywood.

And what of the story of the “Holy House of Loreto”? This was the time
of desecration of churches and persecution of Christians.
How many Catholic families know how providence intervened?
And what of the story of the battle of Lepanto that
freed 25,000 Christian slaves? Did it not also free up
Christian commerce in the Mediterranean, all led by
the famed Don John of Austria, and the Christian Alliance.
And WHY did Mother Mary appear at Zeitoun to a THOUSAND Copts
and Moslems? That too could be discussed in colleges and churches.
After all if Fr Bob Farici SJ emeritus professor of Spirituality in Rome,
drew attention to it, then surely it should interest all Catholics.
The media and politicians who disguise it all, have much to answer for. But here
truth, from a suffering eyewitness, and the church is all the better off
for the powerful message. We should be grateful for courageous people like
Fr Douglas, who tell it how it is.