Quote
“The name of Jesus was the last word on their lips … they entrusted themselves to the one who would receive them soon after. That name, whispered in the last moments, was like the seal of their martyrdom.”
–Bishop Antonios Aziz Mina of Giza, Egypt, speaking about the 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians who were beheaded by the self-proclaimed Islamic State terror group. In the video of the mass execution released Feb. 15, some of the Christians could be seen repeating the words “Lord, Jesus Christ,” Mina said. (Catholic News Service)
In the news
In-depth look at holy book
WASHINGTON – Construction work began Feb. 12 on a museum intended to promote engagement, education and discussion of the Bible.
The 430,000-square-foot museum will feature a 200-foot LED screen on the lobby ceiling, displaying a set of rotating images from Israel, Rome and Spain. Other features will include a facade modeled after various printed manuscripts of the Bible.
“People ask why we do this,” Cary Summers, president of the Museum of the Bible, told reporters. “We believe that it’s such an important part of our daily life that we should focus our time and efforts so that other people can be engaged with the Bible, just as we are.” (CNS)
Saints under 40
Martyr messenger
St. Tarcisius was just a boy when he was killed by a mob of his peers in the third century in Rome. His bravery was widely acknowledged and he is one of the patron saints of altar boys.
Twelve-year-old St. Tarcisius was an acolyte during a period of vicious Roman persecution that required Christians to worship in hiding and resulted in their executions. Deacons normally were dispatched from the catacombs where the faithful gathered to take the Eucharist to imprisoned Christians condemned to die, but one day none was available so Tarcisius was given the task.
On his way he encountered a group of friends who tried to goad him into giving up the Eucharist. When Tarcisius refused, the boys beat him fiercely. Tarcisius was rescued but died of his injuries before he could be returned to the catacombs. (“The One Year Book of Saints” by Father Clifford Stevens via ewtn.com)
