Brazil Mourns Priest Slain in Robbery

BRASILIA, Brazil, June 19, 2009, 10.00 Hrs (Zenit.org):

Stigmatine Missionary Father Gisley Azevedo Gomes died a victim of the violence he was dedicated to fighting, according to the national youth ministry program in which he worked.

The 31-year-old priest, who was ordained just four years ago, was killed Monday in Brasilia. Investigators have said a robbery or a short-term kidnapping was the motive for the crime.

Father Gomes' funeral was celebrated on Wednesday.

Brazil's national pastoral ministry offices released a statement recalling the priest's "efforts in the fight for youth, his courageous words in defense of life, and above all his commitment to the cause of justice and peace."

Together with other youth ministers in Brazil, he had organized a national campaign in defense of young people. The motto of the campaign was "Youth in Action Against Violence."