MARTYRDOM FOR MISSION" A Study on the life and writings of Bishop Bresillac
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Date
2005
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
The life of Bishop Bresillac and the death of many young SMA
Missionaries recorded in the SMA necrology is the sole motivation to do this study on
"Martyrdom for Mission". Through this paper, we aim to understand the meaning of
martyrdom and its relevance in our contemporary missionary effort. As a student of a
missionary society, this paper is primarily intended to shape our missionary life and
vocation and may also be useful to whoever reads it. Its scope is both a historical and
spiritual endeavour within the context of Mission. It presupposes the idea of Christian
martyrdom in the religious sense of sacrifice and witness.
Taking the life of Bishop B resillac, the founder o f S MA, as a subject
matter of our study, the first chapter surveys his missionary life in India and in Africa
and explores it with the historical background of the church's mission at that time of
Bresillac.
In the second chapter, we devote more of a theological study beginning
from the meaning of martyrdom, her characteristics and going back to scripture and the
church Fathers, drawing a better understanding from their writings on martyrdom. Then,
we look at the contemporary understanding of martyrdom which is expressed in the
recent church documents and theological literature.
Moving from the theological study, we spend time on how the ancient
and modem notion of martyrdom can be perceived in our daily life. This part is a great
practical help in finding meaning to our missionary life situations. It is aimed not only
for religious people but also for all Christians, challenging them to be more serious,
committed followers of Jesus and the Gospel.
Finally, the concluding part may be an end to our study on martyrdom
but opens up to the many possibilities of being a witness in one's daily life. It invites
people to find their own ways of being a "MARTYR". It is our "MISSION
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MARTYRDOM FOR MISSION" A Study on the life and writings of Bishop Bresillac