On September 6th, 2022, a tragic attack occurred in Chipene, Mozambique. Sister María de Coppi, a dedicated Comboni religious sister with 59 years of service, was fatally shot in the attack that commenced at 9:00 p.m. and persisted until 2:00 a.m. The assailants extensively vandalized and burned various facilities associated with the mission, including the church, school, health center, priests' and nuns' residences, library, boarding houses for boys and girls, and mission vehicles. Bishop Alberto Vera of Nacala conveyed that the attackers looted the premises, desecrated the tabernacle, and likely sought money during the assault. He suggested that the motive behind the attack might have been to gain international attention rather than a direct assault against the Church. This was described as an act of terror aimed at securing international publicity. Before the attack, due to the area's precarious situation, the missionaries had evacuated most of the children living in the boarding houses, though 12 girls remained at the mission during the assault. Eyewitness reports gathered by ACN International revealed that the terrorists forced the sisters to evacuate, and while Sister Maria and others were fleeing with the girls, she returned upon considering the safety of those still inside, tragically leading to her fatal shooting. Communication with the mission was hindered for hours due to the cut telephone lines, exacerbating the situation.

Type of Data Point - News or Reportage

Fear in Mozambique after murder of a Catholic nun in Nacala diocese - acninternational.org

Visit page of City/Town - Chipene

Inserted: 14-12-2023 23:12:36