Newman University ‘Mission Talks’ offer unique perspectives on martyrs

The brutal murders of the five Adorers of the Blood of Christ in Liberia, West Africa in 1992 is a painful yet inspirational memory for all Adorers, and for all others whose lives were touched by the martyrs and the events surrounding their deaths.

In observance of the 20th anniversary of the martyrs deaths, Newman University is presenting a series of Mission Talks throughout the 2012-2013 academic year that focus on different aspects of the sisters and their tragic end.

“I think it’s important to tell the special story of the martyrs,” said Newman Director of Mission Effectiveness Charlotte Rohrbach, ASC, who has presented Mission Talks over the past few years that explore various facets of Newman University and its mission. “Many people know that it happened, but they don’t know the details of the story. With the 20th anniversary coming up, I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to do it.”

Rohrbach contacted several Adorers who were associated with the sisters and the events of 1992, and asked each to prepare a presentation based on their unique perspective or connection. To make the talks available to more people, each of the four presentations are offered on an evening as well as during the day.

“This is an interesting topic, not just to people associated with Newman and the ASC, but also to the general public,” she said. “I think they’ll find the talks fascinating and challenging.”

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MISSION TALKS
Dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of the Liberian Martyrs
Free and open to the public
All noon presentations are in the Tarcisia Roths, ASC Alumni Center, Dugan Library and Campus Center
Lunch provided for 40 guests during noon presentations by RSVP only: 316-942-4291, ext. 2167.
All evening presentations are in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center, Dugan Library and Campus Center

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Oct. 9, 2012, Noon
Oct. 10, 2012, 7 p.m.
Retelling the Story of the Five Martyrs Twenty Years Later
Mildred Gross, ASC – Provincial at the time of the five sisters’ martyrdom.
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Nov. 13, 2012, Noon
Nov. 14, 2012, 7 p.m.
Go Tell It on the Mountain: From Tragedy to Celebration
Fran Schumer, ASC – Adorers communications director in 1992.
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Feb. 5, 2013, Noon
Feb. 6, 2013, 7 p.m.
The Missionary Life of the 5 Martyrs: How Extraordinary Was Their Work?
Elizabeth Kolmer, ASC – Sister and cousin of two of the martyrs.
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April 9, 2013, Noon
April 10, 2013, 7 p.m.
Serving in the Liberian Mission, Then and Now
Raphael Ann Drone, ASC – Liberian missionary 1971-1988, and 2010-2012.

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