On 7 May the diocese of Groningen is holding an ecumenical commemoration of the martyrs of the 20th century who lost their life on account of their faith. Many of them were victims either of the Nazi or of the Communist regime. The day of commemoration will begin with an ecumenical prayer service with the participation of Bishop Eijk of Groningen and H. Hoet, leader of the St. Egidio Community for the diocese of Antwerp. By holding this day of commemoration the diocese of Groningen wishes to focus attention on the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation with our enemies in the last conflict. For this reason, Father Francis Fukamizu, right-hand man of Cardinal Shirayanagi, archbishop emeritus of Tokyo, will be present at the celebration. Father Fakamizu will also bring a personal message from Cardinal Shirayanagi, who played a key role in the process of reconciliation between the Netherlands and Japan after the Second World War. A symposium on the martyrs of the 20th century will be held on the same afternoon.
