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Our Lady of Perpetual Help

(Feast - June 27)

On June 23, Fr. Francois Murad was beheaded after Syrian Jihadists raided the monastery where he was staying and accused him of conspiring against them with the Assad regime. It wasn’t quick and was done with a simple, dull kitchen knife. The last thing he heard in his earthly life was “Allahu Akbar" and the crowd cheering his death. I have not heard much about this anywhere but on Catholic websites, and I want this to be known to all, not just the faithful.

He took his death with a dignity and composure that only a person who was truly faithful could have. No person deserved to die in the barbaric manner which he did, but especially not one as peaceful as Fr. Murad. And I do not want him to be forgotten and set aside so soon. 

Please pray for the soul of Fr. Murad and the companions that went with him, as he was not the only one who met their death that day. But most of all, pray for religious tolerance and for those who performed these actions. His martyrdom will not be forgotten, for now he rests with the Father and our Blessed Mother. Remember all Christians persecuted throughout the world, especially those that face a hostile environments on a daily basis.

Rest in peace, Fr. Murad. May you rest in the Lord’s peace for eternity.

O glorious St. Michael, guardian and defender of the Church of Jesus Christ, come to the assistance of the Church, against which the powers of hell are unchained, guard with especial care her august Head, and obtain that for him and for us the hour of triumph may speedily arrive.

O glorious Archangel St. Michael, watch over us during life, defending us against assaults of the demon, assist us especially at the hour of death; obtain for us a favorable judgment, and the happiness of beholding God face to Face for endless ages. Amen.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen