+Friar Casimir Cypher
The friars of the Provincial Custody of Mary, Mother of Mercy in Central America continue to collect documentary and testimonial evidence on the life, mission and witness of Friar Casimir Cypher. The search is ongoing in the communities of Gualaco and San Esteban in Olancho Department, Honduras. These were places where friar Casimir worked as a missionary and where he gave his life on June 25, 1975, in the service of a Church that was being persecuted for proclaiming the Gospel. (Hearing gunshots, Fr. Casimir ran toward the commotion… Read about his life and witness.)
From May 1 to 25, 2023, two members of the Custody of Central America, friars Javier Ernesto Guerro and Juan Alonzo Pagoada Acosta, visited the communities where Friar Casimir faithfully gave witness to the Gospel. While there, they collected and documented testimony from the people who once knew Friar Casimir.
During their visit, they had the opportunity to interact with local communities, church groups and movements, and the media. They also took part in liturgical celebrations. In each location, they announced the state of progress of the diocesan preliminary process of the cause for Friar Casimir, the importance it has for the faithful and for the good of the pilgrim Church in the Diocese of Juticalpa in Olancho.
It continues to be noted, based on witness testimony, that Friar Casimir enjoys a reputation for holiness and is considered a martyr in the Church of Honduras. To strengthen the diocesan process, the communities pledged to pray for its advancement. They promised to promote the life and mission of Friar Casimir, to identify more witnesses, and to collect documentary evidence and other signs that Friar Casimir’s fame of holiness, and his reputation as a martyr, is steadily growing.
– Excerpt from article by friar Juan Alonzo Pagoada Acosta OFM Conv., Vice Postulator
