“The beatification of our confreres is a source of great joy for all of us Xaverians and for the universal Church,” declared Father Fernando García Rodríguez, Superior General of the Xaverians.
On August 18, the Xaverians Vittorio Faccin, Luigi Carrara, Giovanni Didonè, and the Congolese priest Albert Joubert were proclaimed blessed.
It is an official public recognition by the Church, even though the people of Fizi and Baraka have always considered them martyrs.
For the Catholic Church present in Congo, it is also a reason for further excitement. This is the second beatification to take place in Congo, after that of Sr. Maria Clementina (born Alphonsine) Anuarite Nengapeta in 1985.
“The Church, by declaring them blessed, recognizes their violent death as martyrdom,” says Father Fernando. “They died bearing witness to their love for God and for the Congolese people they were serving.”
The Superior General asks, “Where did they find the strength to continue living in Baraka and Fizi when they knew their lives were at risk? What was the primary motivation for staying with the people despite the danger, threats, and uncertainty?”
The answer seems to emerge in their writings that have come down to us: the life we have received is a serious matter. And if it is a serious matter, it must be lived fully by putting it at the service of eternity. Because whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will find it (Mt 16:25).
“It is very significant that this celebration takes place today in 2024 when Congo is not a completely peaceful country while conflicts in the world continue to increase,” continues Father Fernando. “I hope that the example of our confreres can touch the hearts of many people, especially those who have decision-making responsibilities, so that peace becomes a reality for everyone.”
The driving force that led them to Congo was faith in Jesus Christ and his plan of salvation for humanity; they put their lives at the service of God’s love, having Jesus Christ as their model of life and missionary action.
“They remained faithful because God is faithful,” affirms the missionary.
The martyrs are also an example to other Christians and missionaries. “Living in this way, with this conviction, considering their young age, cannot have come spontaneously or almost naturally, as the natural instinct is to protect oneself, to seek shelter from any threat,” says the Superior. “This conviction is the result of a human, Christian, and missionary education and formation acquired over time and through daily perseverance.”
“Faccin, Carrara, Didonè, and Joubert are now for us models of human, Christian, and Xaverian life,” concludes Father Fernando. “May they be a continuous source of inspiration and support for our Xaverian life.”
