Ten years ago, and precisely on May 23rd 1996, a release from the Algerian IAG (Islamic Armed Group) announced that on the morning of May 21st they had murdered the seven monks of the monastery of Tibhirine. To pay tribute to the anniversary of this martyrdom, the Algerian Church has asked once again over these days to open the diocesan process of beatification for these monks. The news were also announced by the French Bishops Conference while the Catholic daily paper La Croix going over the progress of the cause announced that the Archbishop of Algiers, mgr. Henri Teissier, had already asked the Congregation for the Cause of the Saints in Rome for permission one year ago, but the Congregation must check with the State Secretariat that no diplomatic impediments exist which might prevent the opening of the process. A procedure that, given the trickiness of the situation, will take time. (to be continued)
