martyrdom

We are living through white martyrdom.

It has taken me all these years to know our reality.

Philip Kosloski, writer for Aleteia,  pub 10/31/17, explains -
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“…white martyrdom is typically defined as being persecuted for the faith, but never shedding any blood. It consists of living a life boldly for Christ, yet never being asked to die for it.

“Green martyrdom, on the other hand, is more specific and focuses on extreme penance and fasting out of love for God. This type of martyrdom is usually associated with the hermits of Egypt, who greatly influenced Irish monasticism. This accounts for why many Irish monks sought out places of extreme solitude and harsh weather; the monastery atop Skellig Michael being a perfect example of both.

“Red martyrdom, of course, refers to giving one’s physical life, bearing witness unto death. Red in this case is associated with the shedding of blood.”

I think the monks of Papa Stronsay would fit green martyrdom.

I prefer, “wet martyr”, a person who has shed blood or been executed for the faith; and “dry martyr”, a person who has suffered every indignity and cruelty but not shed blood. Dry we are.