On May 23-24, 2025, the Provincial Custody of Mary, Mother of Mercy in Central America and the Diocese of Juticalpa in Honduras, organized a missionary-pastoral symposium as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the violent death of our confrere Friar Casimir CYPHER and thirteen other people, which took place on June 25, 1975, in Olancho, Honduras.
The symposium was held in the auditorium of the Campus Santa Clara in Juticalpa, a branch campus of the Catholic University of Honduras. Among those present was the Most Reverend José BONELLO, OFM, Bishop of Juticalpa; the Vice-Postulator of the Cause for Friar Casimir, Friar Juan Alonzo PAGOADA ACOSTA; and Friar Javier E. GUERRA. This two-day symposium provided opportunities for meeting, reflection, and fraternal sharing, in a tropical environment typical of the area. Others attending included friars from the Custody of Central America; consecrated religious, diocesan clergy, and the lay faithful of the Diocese. They were guided by three speakers who animated the event with presentations on the historical and ecclesial context relevant to Friar Casimir’s life and mission, and the missionary-pastoral challenges facing the Church in Honduras. The event concluded with a focus on identifying sources of light and signs of hope, which, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Friar Casimir’s murder, will inspire and strengthen the ongoing efforts to recognize him as someone whose Gospel witness continues to bear fruit for the people of Olancho.
Young people involved in university ministry contributed to the event. A photo gallery was set up, several presentations highlighting key aspects of Friar Casimir’s life were shown, and personal testimonies were shared. Refreshments and meals were generously provided by local parishes.
The Vice-Postulator of the Cause, Friar Juan Alonzo PAGOADA ACOSTA, organized a series of commemorative activities to celebrate the historical memory and enduring witness of Friar Casimir’s life. Through this event, Friar Juan hopes to promote the fame of holiness and martyrdom of Friar Casimir. At the same time, he is engaging with various local media outlets and communities so that Friar Casimir’s fame of holiness and martyrdom may spread among the faithful, and the Church may come to fully value the richness of our confrere’s life, mission, and testimony.
Let us remain united in prayer so that the preliminary phase of the Cause may continue to bear the fruits of inspiration and apostolic commitment in the Conventual Franciscan mission.
Friar Juan Alonzo PAGOADA ACOSTA, Vice-Postulator
