Texas' Newest Catholic Parish Named After Martyr Beheaded by ISIS: 'A Testimony to Christ's Victory'
The newest parish in the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth is named Saint Matthew Ayariga Catholic Church, honoring a Ghanaian migrant worker who was among 21 Christian construction workers abducted and beheaded by ISIS terrorists in Libya in 2015. Despite uncertainty about his Christian faith prior to his capture, Ayariga reportedly declared 'Their God is my God' when faced with the choice to renounce Christ. The martyrs were canonized by both the Coptic Orthodox Church and Pope Francis. Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth stated that the parish, primarily serving the Ghanaian Catholic community in North Texas, is the first globally to be established under Saint Matthew Ayariga's patronage, emphasizing his heroic response and the powerful testimony of the martyrs' faith against the terrorists' intent.
TL;DR
- The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth has named its newest parish Saint Matthew Ayariga Catholic Church.
- The parish honors Matthew Ayariga, a Ghanaian migrant worker martyred by ISIS in Libya in 2015 alongside 20 Coptic Orthodox Christians.
- Ayariga reportedly affirmed his faith by stating, 'Their God is my God,' when confronted by his captors.
- The martyrs have been recognized as saints by both the Coptic Orthodox Church and Pope Francis.
- Bishop Michael Olson stated that the parish is the first globally to be established under Saint Matthew Ayariga's patronage and serves the Ghanaian Catholic community in North Texas.
- The bishop emphasized that the martyrs' steadfast faith serves as a testimony to Christ's victory, countering the terrorists' intentions.
- The dedication Mass for the new parish is scheduled for January 29, 2027.