Underground Churches

Dearest Ones,

Underground churches? Sound like a strange topic? These Churches are not really under the ground - it means that Christian services are forbidden by law and must all be held in secret. In some countries today, such as Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and at least a dozen more, it is against the law to attend a Christian Church. Often, services are held in someone's home, so as not to attract attention - they are called "underground." No one is able to say publicly they are a Christian. They could lose their jobs because of this. In some countries, if I sent an email like this, I would be shot.

If the police come and discover a Mass is going on, they will take the pastor out and shoot him in front of the people. Then, people are asked if they will deny belief in Jesus. If parents refuse to deny Him, they are put in prison for life and their children are put up for adoption. It's hard to believe such things are going on in today's world, but it is true. This doesn't make the headlines. In North Korea alone, over 40,000 Christians are in prison for life, all because they would not renounce Christ.

If someone is killed because of their belief in Jesus, they are called martyrs and we believe they go straight to heaven, where they will be happy forever. In every country where Christians have been persecuted, the Church grows stronger. This has been true ever since Jesus came.

Why is it considered a crime in some countries to believe in Jesus or to be caught carrying a Bible? It is because rulers do not want laws to come from someone higher than themselves - because then they have to be held accountable and can't do as they please. They want to make their own laws. That's why it is dangerous to elect immoral leaders.

We see Christians threatened in so many ways in our own country, where it is forbidden to display the Ten Commandments in a public place, prayer is forbidden in schools, many school children cannot sing Christian Christmas carols, etc.

This all shows the power of the devil in this world. He will try every way possible to destroy our belief in Jesus. It has always been like this. Jesus promised his followers they would be persecuted but still, people follow Him because of the peace and joy He gives and for the eternal reward. He helps in every battle, every fear and every heartache. His love and His grace conquer all.

Why should we be concerned about people in other parts of the world as long as we can still go to Church and worship as we please? Because all of us in this world are brothers and sisters. What happens to one person, happens to all of us. Christians need our prayers and sacrifices because we are all one body in Christ.

Often, when attending Mass, I imagine the police coming in and asking me if I will deny Christ. Would I have the courage to say, "No?" To be strong enough to face whatever persecution comes to us, we must spend time in prayer daily, and ask God to give us the power of the Holy Spirit, so we will have the courage and strength to stand up for what we believe. We probably won't be asked to give our lives, but daily, we have opportunities to prove our faith: making the sign of the Cross in public, as we pray before a meal in a restaurant, offering to pray with a friend in trouble, wearing a religious symbol, such as a cross, telling others you are pro-life, etc.

It is estimated that 75% of young people stop going to Church when they get to college. Why? I can't say for sure - I can only give possible reasons, such as: they are away from home for the first time, Mom and Dad aren't there telling them to go to Church, many of the professors are atheists (do not believe in God) and tell the students to decide for themselves what is right and wrong, all of their values are challenged, peer pressure prevents them from talking about their faith, etc. It is not only that they stop going to Church -but some actually lose their faith. Many do come back to the Church, especially when they get married and realize they are responsible for getting their children to heaven, but some never do.

Nevertheless, I believe we have a hope-filled, bright future because of our young people, who are fearless and open about their belief in the sacredness of life. So many are pro-life, as we saw them in the March for Life in Washington, January 22, and their participation in 40 Days for Life. The young are hungry for Jesus. Parents, please don't be afraid to see your children grow up. Just pray and leave them in God's hands. He loves them even more than you do. They'll make you proud some day. Your example and prayers will always be with them....and don't forget, grandparents, aunts and uncles are all praying, too!

God loves you,
Sr. Francelle