African Priest Baptized 175 People the Day Before He Was Shot Dead

The Catholic Church in the Central African Republic is mourning the loss of Father Crépin Martial Monga-Hadassi, 35, who was killed on June 29 while serving one of the country's most conflict-ridden regions.
His funeral was celebrated on July 1 at Saint Peter Claver Cathedral in Bangassou.
Just one day before his death, on June 28, Father Crépin baptized 175 people in one of his final pastoral acts.
On the morning of June 29, he accompanied the newly baptized to the Mbomou River before returning to St. John the Baptist Parish in Zémio, where he served as vicar.
Later that evening, at around 6:43 p.m., the priest was ambushed while returning to the parish rectory. The attack reportedly took place on the road between a Central African Armed Forces (FACA) checkpoint and the parish residence. He was fatally shot, while a female parishioner traveling with him was seriously wounded.
The identity of the attackers remains unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility.
Bishop Aurelio Gazzera …More