Normandy church where priest was killed to reopen in October
The Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray Church in France, where Fr. Jacques Hamel was killed last July, is set to open again this October.
Eric de la Bourdonnaye, the communications director of the Archdiocese of Rouen, announced that liturgical services will once again be held at the church on Sunday, Oct. 2, after a purification ceremony.
The ceremony is required before sacraments can be performed at the church because the Catholics view the murder as a desecration. The objects deposited at the church gates in tribute to Hamel will be put in a memorial site.
Hamel had served as a priest for more than 50 years. His funeral was attended by thousands of people including high-ranking authorities and locals who got married and had their children baptized in this church.
Hamel's sister, Roselyne, revealed that he was the sole survivor of a firefight at an oasis during his stint with the army. The event may have prompted Hamel to enter the priesthood.
In his last letter published in June, he spoke about taking care of the world and praying for a peaceful coexistence.
"May we, in these moments, hear God's invitation to take care of this world, to make of it, there where we live, a warmer world, one more humane and more fraternal," Hamel wrote. "A time of meeting with family, friends: A moment to take the time to experience something together. A moment to be considerate of others whoever they may be," he added.
"Also a time of prayer: Thoughtful about that which is happening in our world at this moment. Let us pray for those who have most need of it, for peace, for a better coexistence with each other," Hamel continued.
Churches in Britain were advised to put guards at their doors after the attack in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray. Nick Tolson of the National Churchwatch also advised churches to install security cameras and personal alarms.
It was reported last week that the attack on a Catholic priest in Indonesia was inspired by the murder of Hamel.
