Martyred and Persecuted for the Christian Faith

March 30, 2025

Introduction: On behalf of the Knights of Columbus, welcome to the Rosary for Persecuted Christians. Whenever a Fifth Sunday of the month occurs, we pray in solidarity with and for the religiously persecuted and martyred, for Christians in particular. It is sad that so many are persecuted for faith in Jesus, but we believe what Jesus says to us at the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:10 – “blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

At each decade of the rosary we will pray for a specific petition for a recent event in the world. References to the news items used to generate these petitions are provided at the end. It is my hope that sharing these current events informs you, increases your awareness of worldwide religious persecution, and moves us to more intense prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

First mystery – The Resurrection of our Lord:  Shoompa Roy, born a Hindu in Bangladesh, never paid much attention to her religion. Her interest in Christianity was sparked after meeting with a Christian Evangelist several times. She shared her excitement with her husband, and both converted. They both experienced ridicule and threats yet they remain steadfast. Shompa has helped lead more than 140 people to Christ. She says “You have prayed and supported my family and church, we are very thankful for your support.”  Let us continue to pray for holy boldness and safety for those in Bangladesh.

Second mystery – The Ascension of our Lord into Heaven: On February 13, members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group with ties to the Islamic State active in the Democratic Republic of Congo, captured 70 Christians in the community of Mayba. They forced the captives to march to a Kasanga, 25 miles away.  When they arrived, they were taken into a Protestant church where all of them were murdered. Let us pray for an end to violence and that government at all levels will diligently, impartially and transparently address the violence and its effects.

Third mystery – The Descent of the Holy Spirit: Yemen is divided among those who currently rule. Church ministry differs from one region to another based on who is in charge and their level of religious tolerance. In some areas, people can meet, while in other towns or more restrictive cities Christians can only gather online. One church leader there says, “We feel encouraged when we hear that the global church is praying for us. We are not alone; we have brothers and sisters praying with us. Knowing this, we feel encouraged to continue and face the inevitable.” Yet another says, “Your prayers are what keep us going as leaders – we move protected because of your prayers. We’re living in blessing because of your support in prayer.” Let us pray for the protection and inspiration of the members of the Christian churches in Yemen.

 Fourth mystery – The Assumption of Mary: The Palestinian Christians in Gaza and the West Bank suffer greatly. They are caught in the middle of the war between Hamas and Israel. Slightly over 1000 Christians lived in Gaza prior to the war. Numbers are dwindling due to lack of employment and resources. Their homes of many are destroyed and they seek refuge in a Greek Orthodox Church. Let us pray for lasting peace in the region to allow for the rebuilding of the communities’ infrastructure, livelihoods, and homes.

Fifth mystery – The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth:

Jung Jik attempted to escape North Korea twice but was captured and tortured both times. He prayed to God for an opportunity to get out of prison and he would study the Bible. He escaped again and is now living in South Korea where he evangelizes others. He tells us, “Don’t be disappointed when you pray, God uses your prayers. There still is a large underground church. Because you pray, many people are miraculously healed, and they experience God’s power. They come to faith. The seed of the gospel never dries up. Thanks to your faithful support and prayers, the doors of North Korea will open so that more people will get to know God. Because of your prayers, the underground church in North Korea is expanding.” Let us praise God for the safety and fortitude of these brave and courageous Christians in North Korea.

References

1.    https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/bangladesh-shompa-roy/

2.    https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/stories/70-christians-murdered-in-drc/

3.    https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/yemen-answered-prayer/

4. https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/gaza-prayer/

5. https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/north-korea/