Father Giulio Albanese, MCCJ, who has witnessed several atrocities of war firsthand, said today\u2019s Christians cannot turn a blind eye to people\u2019s sufferings.<\/p>\n
Christians are called to live the Easter message of peace, especially during times of war and violence, said a Comboni missionary priest once kidnapped in Uganda.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn the very day of Jesus\u2019 resurrection, on Easter day, Jesus appeared to the apostles [and] the message he delivered to them was, \u2018Peace to you!\u2019\u201d Father Giulio Albanese, MCCJ, said in an exclusive interview with EWTN News reporter Valentina Di Donato.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeace, from a Christian perspective, is not simply a wish, it\u2019s a gift, and we must be aware that this is our vocation, to bring peace to the world. What is shameful is that nowadays we are doing exactly the opposite,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Albanese, who was kidnapped in northern Uganda by armed rebels in 2002 and witnessed several atrocities of war firsthand, said today\u2019s Christians cannot turn a blind eye to people\u2019s sufferings.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to be aware that we are living in a society, at an international level, where there are many, many contradictions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are many innocent people who are slaughtered out of human selfishness. Look at what is taking place in Iran, in the Middle East, in Africa,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n
In order to address the obstacles to peace, Albanese said it is necessary for Christians to undergo a conversion and to take Jesus\u2019 Easter message of peace to heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring Easter day and even in the following days we have to pray for peace because if there is a lack of peace in the world it\u2019s because our Christianity has become meaningless,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
After witnessing the violent killings of a woman and her young children in Uganda, Albanese shared with Di Donato how his faith in the risen Jesus was put to the test.<\/p>\n
\u201cI must be sincere, in that very moment, I started screaming against the Lord, I said, \u2018Lord where are you? Why are you allowing innocent people [to be] killed like that in that way? Why do they have to suffer in such a way? Lord have you forgotten us? Have you forgotten these people?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
But it was through the help of an elderly priest that Albanese was able to sense the presence of God, when he was told: \u201cYou should ask yourself where is man, not where is God.\u201d<\/p>\n
Describing his heartfelt conversion as a \u201cstory of resurrection,\u201d the Comboni missionary said these days of Easter can help Christians renew their commitment to work toward peace.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to believe that our life is in the hands of God,\u201d he said. \u201cThe Lord is faithful, and in the very moment you live an experience like this you understand also the significance of life.\u201d<\/p>\n
During Holy Week, Pope Leo XIV made several pleas to world leaders to bring all conflict and violence to an end.<\/p>\n
Describing Jesus Christ as the \u201cKing of Peace\u201d during the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter\u2019s Square, the Holy Father said God does not listen to those who \u201cwage war.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust as the Church contemplates the mystery of the Lord\u2019s passion, we cannot forget those who today are truly sharing in his suffering,\u201d he said in his March 29 homily.<\/p>\n
On Easter Sunday, the pope renewed his prayerful petition for peace during his \u201curbi et orbi\u201dblessing delivered from the central loggia of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe peace that Jesus gives us is not merely the silence of weapons but the peace that touches and transforms the heart of each one of us!\u201d he said. \u201cLet us allow ourselves to be transformed by the peace of Christ! Let us make heard the cry for peace that springs from our hearts!\u201d<\/p>\n
Pope Leo will preside over a prayer vigil for peace in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica on April 11.<\/p>\n
This article was originally published by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n