MONROE—On the weekend of April 2-3, St. John XXIII Council 5987 of the Knights of Columbus invited Carol Pinard to their parish of St. Jude in Monroe. Carol brought with her just a small sampling of the information and relics she collected while doing research on the hundreds of known martyrs of the 20th century. Carol gave a very compelling presentation after each of the weekend Masses to the many parishioners in attendance. After each presentation time was given to those in attendance for a closer look at the information and relics which Carol brought. At this time Carol was available to answer the many questions that several of the parishioners had.
Carol’s presentation included several martyrs already canonized like Maximillian Kolbe and Edith Stein to those less known like the Eleven Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth who were executed by the Nazis in August 1943, Blessed Fr. Stanley Rother, the 1st American born martyr, executed in Guatemala and Blessed Fr. Miguel Pro, executed during the Mexican revolution. During her presentation Carol gave a staggering statistic that it is estimated 25 to 45 million Christians gave their life for their faith during the 20th century. This is attributed to Communism, Nazism, Totalitarianism and the many revolutions and civil wars that denounced the church.
Story and photos by Kevin Donovan, member Knights of Columbus Pope St. John XXIII Council 5987 at St. Jude Parish in Monroe
