No End To Catholic Martyrdom

One of the highlights of the November 9, 2025 Feast of the dedication of Rome’s Lateran Basilica was a special commemoration of 7 Filipino martyrs. First, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo of the Isabella de Basilan Prelature along with teachers and students of the Claret School in Tumahubong Basilan were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf. The Abu Sayyaf killed Fr. Rhoel on May 3, 2000 after being held as a hostage for 44 days.

Second, On December 24, 2009 Alberto Pinagawa of the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese, a lay minister who has vocal against illegal logging and mining in Gingoog and Claveria and Championed the rights of the Lumad indigenous people was shot dead. Third, on December 17, 2017 Fr. Marcedito Paez of the Archdiocese of San Jose Nueva Ecija was ambushed and killed by motorcycle riding hitmen after helping get the release of political detainees. He was known for his strong advocacy for social justice, welfare of farmers and human rights.

Moreover, on December 3, 2003 a terrorist bomb killed Junrey Taub Barbante, Janine Orcia Arenas Evangeline Satces Aromin and Riza Ramos, Daniel while attending a mass at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, The Manila Archdiocese said that every year during the November 19 feast of the Lateran Basilica, these 7 Filipino Martyrsz wqill be included in the commeration of Mindao, He was boren on November 29, 1965 in Olongapo City Zambales and joined the Claretian Ordere. Ordained on December 6, 1994, his first assignment as a parish Priest in Basilan turned out to be his last.

The martyrdom of these 7 in different places reminds us that evil still exists despite the efforts of the church and of the faithful since the death of Christ, 2,000 years ago. Some are focused on the wonders of science, cellphones A-1. Sadly 10 days some do not even pray or know how to pray. Some think 24 hours vs. not enough to enjoy life. With that as the promise, no wonder Evil is gaming. Cynicism, greed blind runaway ambition, me first mentality, what’s in it for me attitude. I stuck my neck out for nobody I’m for me; can it be that many have forgotten that “To Christ I belong to Christ I will return? Looking around, I still have faith, hope, and trust in Christ. I still believe that most of us accept the intrinsic value of Human Life, respect for poverty, suffering and religious ethics after 2,000 years it is still “dili sayon ang pag sunod kang Kristo, daghang tunok ang dalan nga maagian mo, bug-at ang krus nga pagapas’anon mo, ug kamatayon lamang ang naghulat kanimo.”