THE BLOOD OF MARTYRS IS THE SEED FROM WHICH SAINTS GROW

 In the Philippines, an archipelagic nation North East of Australia, there is an island known as Mindanao. The island is the second largest of this South Pacific group of islands. The large Islamic population of the island is an independent assembly, set apart from the Islam nations of North Africa and the Middle East. This demographic group of people not only separate themselves from other Muslim caliphs, they are setting boundaries and segregating the neighborhoods in which they reside through the use of force. Other Faiths of the area are driven out, even in atrocious manner. The following is a true report of such events.
Sunday, March 3-2013 : The family of a Christian Congregation, a portion of the Debarbo family was eliminated as they were departing from a birthday party. The party was in a subdivision where the majority of the populace is Muslim.  Earlier during the month of February, the family was assaulted by a group of gang members that threw verbal slurs against the beliefs that the Debarbo`s followed diligently. The family stood strong during this assault that was made against them.
Relieved that the incident ended on a rather peaceful note, they thanked the Lord.
Yet on 3-3-13, as the family was leaving a church service, Rey Debarbo, his wife, and two of the daughters, were again confronted by a gang, this time carrying M-16`s. This time though, no conversation took place, resulting in the open massacre of the four family members. The police report stated that approx. 150 rounds of ammunition had been sprayed upon the believers of Christ Jesus. There also were no witnesses or anyone who would step forward as such.
Friday, March 8-2013 : Members of the neighborhood in which the atrocity occurred displayed s a banner that read in three languages; “We are Praying for Justice !!”  No further actual action was taken by anyone.
Sunday, March 10-2013 : At the memorial service of `Br.` Rey, The mother was very torn and sorrowful over the death of her son, daughter in law, and the two younger grandchildren. The eldest daughter Kate, who survived because she attended a school function, could not speak because of the emotional shock.
Monday, March 11-2013 : The news and the police investigators stated that the family caused a disturbance in the neighborhood, that they were warned, yet did not take heed.
                 ** I am not surprised by this event and the many events that still occur in Mindanao. The persecution of Christians has been occurring since the time of our Lord. The annals of History are filled with many followers of "The Way"  *Honored,* Yes !! Honored !!
For us to give ourselves because of our Faith and Love for Jesus Christ, is for us a True Way
that proves that there is no Greater Love than to lay our Life down for our *Redeemer* Jesus Christ. Because He offeed His Life first for us. **    
                 May we “pray well !!” as was told by our Lady of LaSallette, so that we may be ready !!
                                                                                                                                      Br. Phil Bara. 6-4-13