Fr. Jacques Hamel, a pious priest who dedicated his life to spreading the divine message of peace, was martyred seven years ago after being stabbed by evil hands demonstrating satanic intentions that target Lord's men on Earth.
July 27, 2023 marks the 7th anniversary of the martyrdom of a man of God, namely Fr. Jacques Hamel. He was brutally slain in cold blood while celebrating Holy Mass. At the time, two armed extremist men stormed the church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in Normandy attacked Fr. Hamel and slot his throat.
Fr. Jacques Hamel was born on November 30, 1930, in Darnétal, in the industrial outskirts of Rouen, Normandy. He had been a priest for 58 years when he was murdered. He spent his life in service of others, celebrating weddings, baptisms and accompanying the sick. He was active in ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, including with the Muslim and Jewish communities, whom he visited frequently.
Press reports indicated at the time that Fr. Hamel was martyred in cold blood while he was holding the Holy Communion. He was apparently martyred in odium fidei while he was praying for global peace, harmony, and love. After he was struck by the knife, Fr. Hamel tried to push away the assailants with his feet. He said, "Go away, Satan". He repeatedly said this but never waived his trust in the Lord. His martyrdom indicates that terrorism should neither impart fear nor wreak havoc since the Almighty Lord never fails the believers. Lord Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John: 16:33)
This anniversary exudes bitterness, sadness, and exorbitant rejection of violence triggered by trivial reasons that boomerang regularly sending waves of counter-violence and acts that snowball into the formation of rivers of blood being shed on regular bases. It is dolorous to remember that this crime did not mark the end of crimes against humanity. It was rather followed by wars and violent acts lasting until this very moment while covering a large swathe of Earth and sending shockwaves about the future of humanity that has so far failed to ensure the safety of humans and putting their lives on the right path of protection.
In this spirit, may the shed blood of Fr. Hamel help the faithful of today around the world be renewed and strengthened in their faith, as well as help eliminate violence by replacing it with the divine mercy of love and common living. It is important that we brush our fears aside and be witnesses to our faith through our words and deeds in own society.
The crime committed against the late Fr. Jacques Hamel can be labeled as "a hate crime". Hate crimes are committed on daily bases in various parts of the world including several African countries. What the world misses is genuine love which forestalls all kinds of crimes on top of which is forcible displacement.
May the souls of the martyrs of "hate crimes", who sacrificed their lives on the altar of love for humanity and peace for the entire world, serve as a beacon leading humanity towards common living, equality, and eternal harmony. May the grace of the Lord help us live on to grow in faith.
