Friar Antonio Moser killed in an attempted robbery

AMERICA/BRAZIL -

Petropolis (Agenzia Fides) - Yesterday morning, March 9, during an attempted robbery on the highway Washington Luiz, at the Duque de Caxias (RJ), Friar Antonio Moser was killed in Petrópolis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. He was born in Gaspar (Santa Catarina State) 75 years ago, Friar Moser belonged to the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), was director of the publishing house Vozes and had taken part in the recent Synod of Bishops on the family as a collaborator of the Special Secretary. The statement sent to Fides by the Episcopal Conference of Brazil (CNBB), signed by the auxiliary Bishop of Brasilia and the Secretary General of the CNBB, His Exc. Mgr. Leonardo Steiner, reads that "Friar Antônio Moser’s life was rich and fruitful". Recalling the commitment of the religious in the CNBB, Mgr. Steiner mentions his contribution "in the preparation of texts and theological reflection, especially in moral theology". The Bishop of the Diocese of Petropolis, His Exc. Mgr. Gregório Paixão Neto, OSB, expressed deep sorrow and consternation for this horrendous crime, inviting the parish of Santa Clara, where Fr. Moser was pastor, to pray for him. In 2015 Friar Antonio Moser was the only Brazilian theologian chosen by the Pope to attend the Ordinary Synod of Bishops on the family. Last 12 and 13 December he had celebrated 50 years of priesthood in his hometown, Gaspar. He had written many books and offered a great contribution to the local Church. After the funeral, which will be held today at 3pm local time in the Cathedral of Petrópolis, he will be buried at the mausoleum of Franciscan Friars in the municipal cemetery. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 10/03/2016)