Bishop of Nacala intends to open the beatification process for Comboni Sister Maria De Coppi

Bishop Alberto Vera Aréjula confirmed to Comboni Press, in a telephone interview, his intention to begin the diocesan beatification process for Sister Maria De Coppi in 2027.

The prelate explained that the process was not initiated earlier because the legislation of the Catholic Church requires that at least five years must have elapsed since the person’s death.

“We will begin only in 2027,” said the missionary bishop of Spanish origin.

Mgr Alberto also revealed that a team of priests, religious sisters and lay people is being established to prepare the way to open the process. The bishop expects further developments by this time next year.

Sister Maria De Coppi was killed on September 6, 2022 during a terrorist incursion against the Chipene mission, which was subsequently set on fire.

The Italian missionary was 83 years old and had devoted 60 years of her life to serving the people of Mozambique.

To mark the fourth anniversary of her death, Comboni Father Davide De Guidi celebrated Mass in Chipene in memory of Sister Maria De Coppi and other people from the communities of Namitico, Natuto and Micula, who were also killed during the attack.

The witness of Sister Maria De Coppi continues to live on in the memory of the Mozambican people, who remember her as a woman who gave her life to the mission.

Every year, the Chipene mission organises a pilgrimage to commemorate the missionary and the other victims of the attack.

Fr. Sérgio Mário Vilanculo, MCCJ