“It is better to die young having done something, than die old without having done anything.”
In 1976, Friar Carlos worked in the Diocese of La Rioja an as associate pastor alongside the pastor, Gabriel Longueville, a French Fidei Donum missionary. This was a dangerous time in Argentina. ‘Death squads’ kidnapped, tortured and assassinated those suspected of being political or ideological threats. Fr. Carlos and Fr. Gabriel championed issues of social justice and on July 18, 1976, they were abducted, tortured and killed.
The men had been aware of the danger they faced if they remained with their parishioners in Chamical. When asked if it would be better to leave, Fr. Carlos replied: “It is better to die young having done something, than die old without having done anything.”
Two other men were martyred soon after. A week later, a lay catechist, Wenceslao Pedernera was killed in front of his wife and three daughters. On August 4, 1976, Bishop Angelelli was murdered while driving home after celebrating Mass for Fr. Carlos and Fr. Gabriel.
All four men were beatified on April 27, 2019, in La Rioja, Argentina.
May Blessed Carlos, Enrique, Gabriel, and Wenceslao intercede for us!
In the video below, Minister General Carlos Trovarelli talks about Blessed Carlos de Dios Murias –
