Blessed Paul VI on the Role of Martyrs in the Divine Economy of Salvation

"Our time needs saints, and especially martyrs as those who give the supreme witness of their love for Christ and his Church: "no one has greater love than he who lays down his life for his friends "(John l5: l3). These words of the Divine Master, which refer in the first instance to the sacrifice which He accomplished on the cross and offered for the salvation of all mankind, also apply to the large and select group of martyrs of all time, from the first persecution of the Church rising up to that - perhaps more hidden but no less cruel - today. The Church of Christ is born from the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, and it continues to grow and develop into the heroic virtues of the love of his true sons."

— Blessed Pope Paul VI 

From his homily at the Canonization of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.

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All-powerful, ever-living God, turn our weakness into strength. As you gave your holy martyrs the courage to suffer death for Christ, give us the courage to live in faithful witness to you. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.