I had found on the the USCCB website a selection of African saints. We do not always think about Africa as being the beginning of much, but our civilization, math and sciences, and much of our theology and spirituality has it beginnings in Africa. It is notable to consider that after sending missionaries to Africa for many years, today we are receiving African priests to fill our ranks of priesthood in the western Church.
The site mentions Anthony the Great, who lived in the Patristic period of Christianity, who is known as the Patriarch of Monks. He lived an austere life, spending much of his days in prayer and fasting. We then have Antonio Viera, an African born in Portugal in the 17th century. He joined the Jesuits, went to Brazil where he defended the Jewish merchants who face discrimination and hostility, and worked to end slavery. Of course we cannot forget Augustine of Hippo, who lived during the fourth century, and is known for his conversion to Christianity. Perhaps because of this experience, his theology of Sin and conversion has influenced much of our present theology and teachings in our Church.
In this Year of Faith it is good to reflect upon many of the relatively unknown men and women who embraced the words and life of Jesus Christ, and nurtured and nourished, not only their own faith, but many who came to believe because of them. Consider Africa, which we might want to think was converted by European missionaries in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Their culture and these faith-filled men and women continued to develop the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. No doubt the emphasis on the cross, and salvation through the sufferings of the cross, provided great inspiration, courage and strength.
We want to pray for the countless unknown men and women who continue to share the gospel, and live out it's truths. These are really people of Good News.
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