Mario Vergara and Isidoro Ngei Ko Lat, martyrs (†1950)

Biography

The Italian priest Mario Vergara and the Burmese catechist Isidoro Ngei Ko Lat evangelized together among poor populations in Burma. Mario learned several languages, cared for the sick free of charge and trained local catechists; Isidoro, prevented by asthma from reaching the priesthood, taught, translated and supported the communities. In a period of violence they were detained by rebels, interrogated and forced to walk for hours. They died on the banks of the Salween River, united by a mission that valued collaboration between missionaries and local Christians.