The Algerian Martyrs
-
Start
10/06/2025
-
End
12/06/2025
-
Worth Abbey
Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4SB
Fr Martin McGee OSB
The story of the love of the Tibhirine community for its Muslim neighbours in Algeria has lit a fire which refuses to go out. In 1996 on the night of the 26th/27th March seven monks from the Trappist monastery of Tibhirine, 96 km south of Algiers, were kidnapped by Muslim fundamentalists and fifty-six days later on 21st May all of them were beheaded.
The inspiring witness of the Tibhirine monks came to the attention of the world thanks to Xavier Beauvois’ film Of Gods and Men, winner of the Grand Prix at the Cannes film festival in 2010. This film captured the imagination of countless people, many of whom had no religious affiliation or interest in religion. They were above all amazed by the close friendship which the monks had established with their Muslim neighbours.
What most people don’t know is that there are twelve other martyrs – priests, religious sisters, one Marist brother and a Dominican bishop, Pierre Claverie, who were also assassinated. The lives of these nineteen martyrs speak powerfully to us today of the Good News which can break down barriers and light a fire of hope and peace in the hearts of many.
Reflecting on the almost total destruction of the Church in Algeria, Br Paul of Tibhirine wrote in January, 1995, shortly before his martyrdom: “Nevertheless I believe that the Good News is being sown, the seed is germinating … The Spirit is at work; he works in the depths of people’s hearts. Let us be available so that he may act in us through prayer and a loving presence to all our brothers.” By giving their lives out of love, the nineteen martyrs continue to inspire both Christians and Muslims. The seeds they have sown are bearing an abundant harvest.
Fr Martin has written five books about the witness of the nineteen Algerian martyrs (1994-1996). His talks will seek to show their relevance for our own lives in a world becoming increasingly more divided by race and religion.
Cost: £220 per person