That is not exactly what I was thinking of. However, it is sad to hear about these horrible deaths and we must continue to pray that the persecution of the Church in this area stops.
What I mean is Martyrs in the traditional sense or the word. I dont’t really know much about this particular incident, and perhaps some of these would fit the term. However, A Martyr is traditionally one who knowingly accepts death rather than renounce his/her faith when the option is given. Perhaps some, or even all of these victims fit that category (I havent read much about it yet) but risking your life to practice your religion or having no choice in the matter is not considered martyrdom, as the Church as considered it traditionally.
Have you ever heard of St. Maximilian Kolbe. He was canonized “The Martyr for the 20th Century”. He did not die defending the faith. He died because of his faith.
You have a very limited vision of martyrdom. It is true that those who chose death rather than renounce their faith are mayrtyrs. However, that’s only one form of martyrdom. Look at another great Franciscan, St. Thomas More. He did not die to avoid renouncing his faith. He died because he would not comply with a state that challenged Church teaching.
Then there are the Five Franciscan Martyrs of Florida. They did not die rather than deny their faith. They were missionaries who were killed because they were preaching the faith.
Then there are several Jesuit martyrs in North America, led by St. Isaac Jogues. None died for the reason that you stated. Again, they died because of their faith. Bl. Kateri is also a martyr who died because she chose to be Catholic.
Don’t forget St. Peter Miki and companions. None of them were asked to renounce their faith. They were hated because of their faith.
If you’re looking for the “traditional” martyr, you may have to do more research. More men and women have been canonized martyrs who died because they were Catholic, than those who died rather than renounce the faith. Traditionally, the Church has canonized and venerated as martyrs those who are killed because of their faith, even if they did not die defending it. I’m having problems understanding your definition of “traditional martyr”.
Just an aside, but an interesting note, the night before the canonization of Br. Maximilian Maria Kolbe (we never call him Father), Pope John Paul had a dream. The plan was to canonize Max as confessor and religious. In his dream he said that he saw St. Francis of Assisi, the Virgin Mary crowining Max. Max was wearing a crown of white and red. In his early years, Max had a vision where Our Lady showed him two crowns: a white and a red. He asked what they were and she said, “The crown of purity and the crown of martyrdome. Which do you want?” He answered, “I choose both.” In the dream, St. Francis said to John Paul, “It is Jesus’ will that my son be venerated as a martyr.”
Upon awaking, the Holy Father sent word to change the colors of the mass, from white to red. When everyone arrived for the mass of canonization, they were surprised to see the red. Later, when asked, Pope John Paul told the story. He not only canonized him as a martyr, but gave him the title of “Martyr for the 20th Century”.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
