Catholic Bishop in Mozambique Confirms Beatification Process for Slain Italian Nun

Bishop Alberto Vera Aréjula of the Diocese of Nacala announced that the beatification process for Sister Maria de Coppi will begin in 2027. Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need, the bishop said the Presbyteral Council will discuss the proceedings. The Church has waited for a required five-year period before formally opening the process.

Sister Maria, an Italian Comboni Missionary, was killed on September 6, 2022, during a terrorist attack on the Chipene Catholic mission. The attack lasted from approximately 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. and resulted in the destruction of the church, school, health center, convent, library, dormitories, and vehicles. Bishop Vera stated that the attackers destroyed everything at the mission.

Sister Maria was 83 years old at the time of her death and had served the people of Mozambique for nearly sixty years. While other religious personnel and young people escaped into the surrounding bush during the attack, Sister Maria was killed.