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On 24 March 2025, the Church celebrates the 33rd Day of Prayer and Fasting in memory of the missionary martyrs. This event, instituted in 1993 by the Missionary Youth Movement of the Pontifical Mission Societies, is an occasion to remember and honour those who sacrificed their lives for the proclamation of the Gospel and service to those most in need.
The theme chosen for this year is “Go and invite“, inspired by the Gospel of Matthew. This slogan emphasises the importance of mission as a continuous going out to humanity to invite them to encounter and commune with God. The Missio Foundation prepared various materials to support the celebrations, including thematic reflections, prayer vigils and Eucharistic adoration.
The Day of the Missionary Martyrs is not only a time of commemoration, but also an opportunity to reflect on our personal commitment to fighting injustice and supporting the most vulnerable. As Elisabetta Vitali, secretary of Missio Giovani, emphasises, “On this day, we want to remember in particular all the missionaries who have given their lives in proclaiming the Gospel and serving their neighbours.
The celebration of this day is part of the Jubilee Year, a period of spiritual renewal for the whole Church. Fr Giuseppe Pizzoli, Director General of the Missio Foundation, highlights the vital relationship between martyrdom and hope, stating that “it is not possible to think about martyrdom without it being sustained by the vital force of Hope”.
Participating in the Day of Prayer for Missionary Martyrs is a way to renew our Christian commitment and to remind us that, even in the most dramatic situations, a light of hope can shine. Join us on 24 March 2025 to honour these courageous witnesses to the faith and to reflect on our role in the mission of the Church.
Missionary Martyrs 2025: Missionaries killed in 2024
