Father Cecilio Lucero (48) was shot and killed by unknown assailants in the region of Northern Samar, Philippines on September 6. At approximately 8:30 a.m., the priest was ambushed by a group of armed men while driving his car. He was shot several times and died instantly. The two other men in the car were seriously injured.

Father Lucero was the pastor of St. Joseph Church in the town of Catubig and was well known for his social work as the director of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Catarman. According to a local bishop, Lucero had asked for police protection after he began receiving death threats by mail in February because of his activities.

Thank the Lord for the faithful life and work of Father Lucero. Pray that those who mourn his death will find strength, comfort and peace in Christ. Pray that God will continue to raise up cross-bearing disciples in the Philippines who are willing to remain faithful to Him at all cost (1 Corinthians 4:9-14, 16).

Learn more about the opposition facing Christians in regions of the Philippines.