Rwanda, February 1, 1998 (IKA) – Fra Vijeko Ćurić, a member of the Bosna Srebrena Province and missionary in Rwanda, was killed during the night between January 31 and February 1 in that African country. According to present knowledge, Fra Vijeko was killed in his automobile by pistol shots and the perpetrator of the crime has escaped. Fra Vijeko was born on April 26, 1957 in Lupoglava in the parish of Osova. He entered the Franciscan order on July 15, 1976 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 21, 1982 in Sarajevo. That same year, he went to Paris to prepare for his missionary calling. On August 18, 1983, he began his missionary activity in Rwanda. Fra Vijeko, a young and capable priest, gained worldwide recognition during the time of the violent conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi, when he selflessly worked to help the victims of both nations. He also brought numerous whites (bishops, priests, monks, nuns and others) to safety. The Franciscan order and Fra Vijeko#!s province of Bosna Srebrena received special recognition from the Holy Father for the work of Fra Vijeko. In order to rescue and help others for the glory of God and love of his neighbor, Fra Vijeko endured a martyr#!s death, according to the statement by his provincialate. Fra Vijeko#!s provincialate has requested Church officials to have his earthly remains
transported to his homeland.