Guatemala City, Guatemala, Apr 30, 2013 / 12:12 pm
During a Mass to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi's death, Archbishop Oscar Julio Vian of Guatemala City recalled the late bishop as a "martyr of peace."
The Mass was celebrated upon conclusion of a document about the violence caused by the Guatemalan civil war from 1960-1996. Numerous bishops and priests from the country concelebrated.
"He fought to build a more just and decent society" and "sought peace through truth and justice," Archbishop Vian said during the Mass at the Cathedral of Guatemala City.
He urged Guatemalans to leave behind fear, pessimism and frustration and to keep alive the memory of Bishop Gerardi in their hearts.