December 27
Francisco Spoto, priest and martyr (1924–1964)
martyr priest
Sicilian priest, superior general and martyr in the Congo, Francisco Spoto offered his life so that his missionary brothers could be saved.
Biography
He joined the Missionary Servants of the Poor as a child, was ordained in 1951 and elected Superior General when he was only thirty-five years old. In 1964 he traveled to the Biringi mission to accompany the community during a violent rebellion. He refused to abandon her, even knowing the danger. Beaten by guerrillas while fleeing with three religious, he was seriously injured and died on December 27 after receiving the anointing; his companions survived.
Practical advice
Remain close to those who are going through a crisis today, without turning your help into control or giving up when the difficulty increases.