Brazil: Theologian killed in attempted robbery

Friar Antonio Moser

Friar Antonio Moser was killed on Wednesday, 9 March, during an attempted robbery on the highway Washington Luiz, at the Duque de Caxias in Petrópolis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Fr Antonio was 75 years old. A member the Order of Friars Minor, he 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.

A statement from the Bishops Conference of Brazil, signed by the auxiliary Bishop of Brasilia and the Secretary General of the CNBB, Mgr Leonardo Steiner, says: "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, 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 Pope Francis 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 was held on Thursday at 3pm local time in the Cathedral of Petrópolis, he was buried at the mausoleum of Franciscan Friars in the municipal cemetery.

Source: Fides