Continuing our theme of the Jesuits, I recently read that since the 1970s there have been over 30 Jesuit Martyrs from all over the world. The most recent isFATHER FRANS van der LUGT S.J., who began his ministry in Syria
Father Van der Lugt was born into a banker's family and grew up in Amsterdam Syria
Father van der Lugt started a community center and farm in 1980, the Al-Ard Center , just outside the city of Homs
After the siege of Homs
Father van der Lugt was known for helping Christians and Muslims alike; the Al-Ard Center Homs Syria
The February before his death he exemplified his love for his ministry in a comment to AFP, “The Syrian people have given me so much, so much kindness, inspiration and everything they have. If the Syrian people are suffering now, I want to share their pain and their difficulties,”
In an appeal to end violence in Homs and the rest of Syria
He always did good to all, with gratitude and love, and therefore he was loved and respected by Christians and Muslims. His brutal murder has filled me with deep pain and it made me think of a lot of people still suffering and dying in that tormented country, my beloved Syria, already too long in the throes of a bloody conflict, which continues to reap death and destruction. I also think of the many people abducted, both Christians and Muslims, in Syria