In many societies today, the utterance of a simple phrase, “I am a Christian,” is a crime punishable by death. So widespread is this persecution that Pope Francis called it a “third world war, waged piecemeal . . . a form of genocide.” In To the Martyrs: A Reflection on the Supreme Christian Witness , Cardinal Donald Wuerl urges solidarity with today’s persecuted Christians and recounts the recurrence of martyrdom throughout Church history. His Eminence’s poignant insight into the spirituality of martyrdom will challenge all Christians to courageously emulate the steadfast commitment of those who have followed Christ—even unto death.

 Also available in eBook 

About the author

His Eminence Cardinal Donald Wuerl is the Archbishop of Washington, DC. He serves on the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Congregation for Bishops, the Congregation for Clergy, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, the Pontifical Council for Culture, and the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See. During his decades-long ministry as a priest, bishop, and cardinal, His Eminence has had the privilege of working with refugees and other Christians who suffer religious persecution.

Praise for To The Martyrs:

 “Yes, sometimes ‘silence is golden,’ but not when it comes to the widespread vicious persecution of our brother and sister Christians around the world. It’s time to shout in defense of these innocent people who are tempted to wonder why their co-religionists around the world—us!—are so quiet.”

—His Eminence Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan

Archbishop of New York

“Let your heart be deeply moved as you read these pages. Cardinal Wuerl exercises an admirable form of pastoral care that brings together a depth of insight and a richness of historical witness to educate and inspire.”

—Carl Anderson

Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus

“Anyone interested in the future of the Church and in the enduring power of Christian witness ought to read this book.”

—Most Rev. Robert Barron

Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles

“Read this book, talk about this book, then write to your congressmen and senators. It is time that we took action on behalf of persecuted Christians.”

—Matthew Kelly

Author of Rediscover Jesus and Founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute

“We should all take Cardinal Wuerl’s conclusion very much to heart: Christians must always be prepared to be faithful to the very end.”

—Robert Royal

Author of The Catholic Martyrs of the Twentieth Century

“The era of martyrdom is not only in the distant past but upon us once more. . . . This book is an energetic encouragement in Christ and the Church!”

—John Michael Talbot

Founder, Spiritual Father, and General Minister, The Brothers and Sisters of Charity