Parish joins call to end religious persecution
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
By Dorothy K. LaMantia | Correspondent
The color orange has taken on a special meaning in St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, where, over the past several months, parishioners have worn it as a sign of solidarity with people targeted for their religious beliefs.
On May 31, Holy Trinity Sunday, the St. Mary community took this witness one step further as 100 parishioners donned orange ribbons and stood outside St. Mary of the Pines Church, Manahawkin, to pose for a photo. Headed for news media outlets and government offices, the photo was an expression of support for Christians and others persecuted for their faith by Islamic extremists. A letter was to be sent along with the photo to raise awareness of the widespread exile and murder of Christians throughout the world and to urge federal, state and local officials to take a stand condemning the atrocities.
Moved to Action
For months, news reports of the persecution and murders of Christians in the Middle East and parts of Africa weighed heavily on Msgr. Kenard Tuzeneu and many of his parishioners.
“It was so frustrating,” said Msgr. Tuzeneu. “No one was speaking out among our elected officials. Then my uncle told me about a church community wearing orange ribbons as a sign of solidarity with the Coptics martyred in Libya. I thought it was a simple way of making a statement. I told a few people about it, and they started passing out little orange ribbons after the daily Masses. We decided to wait until a week or two after Easter. Then it took off.”
In each pew of the parish’s two churches, the monsignor placed cards describing the orange ribbon as “a visual reminder of the plight of many of our Christian brothers and sisters” while declaring, “the persecution of Christians and all peoples must be opposed and stopped. We must not stand in silence any longer.”
The occasion of Holy Trinity Sunday was especially meaningful for the parish, after it was learned that Joseph, a 16-year old boy from Holy Trinity Church, St. Mary’s twin parish in Ziroobwe, Uganda, was beaten by his teachers at his Muslim-affiliated secondary school for missing an assignment.
When the teachers saw that he carried a Crucifix and a Rosary, they intensified the beatings, leaving him unconscious. Now Joseph is bedridden and unable to walk.
Because the Muslim school is the only local secondary school, Joseph’s story has given greater urgency to Holy Trinity’s project of constructing its own secondary school. A recent collection by St. Mary Parish amassed $24,000 of the projected $60,000 needed to finish the building.
“The pastor, Father Vincent Mukibii, hopes to open the secondary school to children of all faiths, including Muslims, as a sign of tolerance and peace-making,” said Msgr. Tuzeneu.
Witnesses in the Public Square
Because of the initiative undertaken by the St. Mary community, orange ribbons have been popping like spring flowers all over Ocean County as parishioners wearing the symbols have kept them on as they set about their daily and weekly routines. When asked about it in supermarkets or in doctors’ offices, parishioners have spread awareness one conversation at a time.
“So many people don’t know [the persecutions] are happening,” said Noreen McGowan. “It needs to be in the forefront and acknowledged that people are suffering.”
Tammy Manfredi said, “It’s important for us with all our freedoms here to not forget those who are persecuted." “ Her 13-year old son Shane added, “I might wear the ribbon to school tomorrow to spread awareness.”
“There is learning taking place,” said Michelle Bockin. “When you discuss the ribbons, people realize that they must stand up and reach out to our politicians and tell them that this issue is in our hearts.”
The event created a teachable moment for Barbara Vidal with four children in tow — all wearing the orange ribbon. “I want them to know we can make a difference … that one person can do a lot to raise awareness to the problems in the country and the world. It is important for kids to know others are persecuted for living their faith while here we can pray and go to Mass freely. I am glad Msgr. Ken started this to show we’re standing together for other Christians.”
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By Dorothy K. LaMantia | Correspondent
The color orange has taken on a special meaning in St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, where, over the past several months, parishioners have worn it as a sign of solidarity with people targeted for their religious beliefs.
On May 31, Holy Trinity Sunday, the St. Mary community took this witness one step further as 100 parishioners donned orange ribbons and stood outside St. Mary of the Pines Church, Manahawkin, to pose for a photo. Headed for news media outlets and government offices, the photo was an expression of support for Christians and others persecuted for their faith by Islamic extremists. A letter was to be sent along with the photo to raise awareness of the widespread exile and murder of Christians throughout the world and to urge federal, state and local officials to take a stand condemning the atrocities.
Moved to Action
For months, news reports of the persecution and murders of Christians in the Middle East and parts of Africa weighed heavily on Msgr. Kenard Tuzeneu and many of his parishioners.
“It was so frustrating,” said Msgr. Tuzeneu. “No one was speaking out among our elected officials. Then my uncle told me about a church community wearing orange ribbons as a sign of solidarity with the Coptics martyred in Libya. I thought it was a simple way of making a statement. I told a few people about it, and they started passing out little orange ribbons after the daily Masses. We decided to wait until a week or two after Easter. Then it took off.”
In each pew of the parish’s two churches, the monsignor placed cards describing the orange ribbon as “a visual reminder of the plight of many of our Christian brothers and sisters” while declaring, “the persecution of Christians and all peoples must be opposed and stopped. We must not stand in silence any longer.”
The occasion of Holy Trinity Sunday was especially meaningful for the parish, after it was learned that Joseph, a 16-year old boy from Holy Trinity Church, St. Mary’s twin parish in Ziroobwe, Uganda, was beaten by his teachers at his Muslim-affiliated secondary school for missing an assignment.
When the teachers saw that he carried a Crucifix and a Rosary, they intensified the beatings, leaving him unconscious. Now Joseph is bedridden and unable to walk.
Because the Muslim school is the only local secondary school, Joseph’s story has given greater urgency to Holy Trinity’s project of constructing its own secondary school. A recent collection by St. Mary Parish amassed $24,000 of the projected $60,000 needed to finish the building.
“The pastor, Father Vincent Mukibii, hopes to open the secondary school to children of all faiths, including Muslims, as a sign of tolerance and peace-making,” said Msgr. Tuzeneu.
Witnesses in the Public Square
Because of the initiative undertaken by the St. Mary community, orange ribbons have been popping like spring flowers all over Ocean County as parishioners wearing the symbols have kept them on as they set about their daily and weekly routines. When asked about it in supermarkets or in doctors’ offices, parishioners have spread awareness one conversation at a time.
“So many people don’t know [the persecutions] are happening,” said Noreen McGowan. “It needs to be in the forefront and acknowledged that people are suffering.”
Tammy Manfredi said, “It’s important for us with all our freedoms here to not forget those who are persecuted." “ Her 13-year old son Shane added, “I might wear the ribbon to school tomorrow to spread awareness.”
“There is learning taking place,” said Michelle Bockin. “When you discuss the ribbons, people realize that they must stand up and reach out to our politicians and tell them that this issue is in our hearts.”
The event created a teachable moment for Barbara Vidal with four children in tow — all wearing the orange ribbon. “I want them to know we can make a difference … that one person can do a lot to raise awareness to the problems in the country and the world. It is important for kids to know others are persecuted for living their faith while here we can pray and go to Mass freely. I am glad Msgr. Ken started this to show we’re standing together for other Christians.”
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