But for the most part martyrdom in wholesale numbers would not resume until it became a phenomenon of the 20th century. And when it returned at last, it did so on a staggering scale. Anyone ready to write off what has happened as the work of primitive societies alone is in for a major surprise. In so many cases the lust can be all-consuming, overshadowing reason, erupting in hate, destroying lives in numbers that confound the mind. Strictly speaking, probably not.
Distinctions exist at various levels.
Earlier this year Archbishop Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for Sainthood Causes, said the term should be used only for those who died for their faith and were later beatified or canonized. Presumably that would leave many victims of bloodshed without the title of martyr. But these are technical points. Those the Church is recognizing in a special way this year, those known by name and the countless others whose names will never be known, are all martyrs in spirit. Each enriched beyond measure the faith we all share.