Martyrs

As Pope Leo XIV visits Madrid June 6, a towering cross rising above the cemetery on the outskirts of town will likely catch his eye.

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage took a day to encounter the five Franciscan friars known as the Georgia Martyrs, who will be beatified Oct. 31 in Savannah.

“They were simple ranchers who didn’t have much education, but they had strong faith — and they died for it. … “I’ve always found that very beautiful.”

Organizers said the lives of the patron saints reflected on issues relevant today, including persecution, migration and social struggle.

According to her congregation’s website, Sister Teresia “wanted to serve God in the order, working in silent union with Him” despite a debilitating disease. 

Jonathan Roumie, the actor known for portraying Jesus in the hit series “The Chosen,” is calling attention to the 21 Christian martyrs killed 11 years ago.

The beatification of five Franciscans known as the Georgia martyrs has been set for Oct. 31, according to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints’ website.

(OSV News) — It’s a stark reality that — no matter how many times it’s repeated — never loses the power to shock: The 20th century produced double the number …