Missionaries of Charity wished to remain in Yemen despite dangers, says bishop
March 09, 2016
The apostolic vicar of Southern Arabia said that the Missionaries of Charity slain in a March 4 attack decided a year ago to remain in Yemen despite the dangers.
“They told me there was nothing to discuss: they would not leave whatever happened, because they wanted to stay with the people entrusted to their care,” Bishop Paul Hinder told the Fides news agency.
“It was clear that on the part of the sisters this was no exhibition of heroism, it was purely their desire to follow Jesus Christ,” he continued. “I respected the sisters’ decision, and am convinced that their martyrdom will bear fruit also for the lives of other Christians living in the Arabian Peninsula.”
Bishop Hinder said that local residents “admired their way of serving others regardless of religious belonging, putting first the most in need. This earned the sisters the people’s warmth and affection, and perhaps that was precisely what some disliked.”
One sister, said Bishop Hinder, survived the attack, and she will return to India.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Bishop Hinder: the martyred Sisters were loved by the Yemenite people. Still no news of abducted priest (Fides)
- 4 Missionaries of Charity among victims of terrorist attack in Yemen (CWN, 3/4)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
