Fr. Richmond Nilo, parish priest at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Zaragoza town in the Diocese of Cabanatuan, Philippines, was shot dead as he prepared to celebrate Mass yesterday morning.

Fr. Nilo is the third priest to be murdered in the Philippines since December. Fr. Tito Paez was killed in December and Fr. Mark Ventura in April. Another priest, Fr. Rey Urmeneneta, survived an attempt to kill him just days ago in Calamba City.

Fr. Teresito “Chito” Suganob was kidnapped and held hostage, along with up to 200 others, by Islamic militants in Marawi last year. Fr. Suganob was rescued last September. It’s not clear who is behind the murders of these priests, or even if it’s a coordinated effort.

Priests are also being murdered in Mexico. Since 2012, 23 priests have been murdered, including four in 2018. Most think the murders are related to the Church speaking out against the drug trade and cartels.

Pray for priests!

Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all.