TWICE CALLED
The martyrs of Algeria

Guided tour duration: 60 minutes

Exhibition promoted by the Fondazione Oasis e Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Curated by Alessandro Banfi, Michele Brignone, Martino Diez, Lorenzo Fazzini, Claudio Fontana, Chiara Pellegrino

Scientific Committee: Cardinal Angelo Scola, Archbishop Emeritus of Milan; Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, Archbishop of Algiers; Father Thomas Georgeon, Postulator of the Cause of Beatification of the Martyrs of Algeria; Marie-Dominique Minassian, Director of the Research Project ‘The Writings of Tibhirine’; Nadjia Kebour, Professor at PISAI in Rome; Diego Sarrió, Bishop of Laghouat in Algeria and former Dean of PISAI in Rome; Anna Pozzi, journalist for Mondo e Missione monthly of PIME; Jean Jacques Pérennes, OP, former Director of the École Biblique et Archéologique Française in Jerusalem

With the collaboration of Giuseppe Frangi

The exhibition pays tribute to the 19 Algerian martyrs killed in terrorist attacks during the so-called Black Decade of the country (1992–2002) and aims to spread awareness of their sacrifice. “Called Twice” because their fidelity to the call of Jesus Christ through their vocation became incarnate in their fidelity to the Algerian people—who were themselves victims of violence and hatred—through a rich dialogue at various levels with Muslim individuals with whom they “became one body,” as stated by the postulator of the beatification cause, Trappist Thomas Georgeon. The exhibition recounts their faith, which led them to choose to remain in the country despite the threats, and their human commitment to dialogue and peace, offering a universal message of hope and reconciliation.

The 19 were beatified in a ceremony at the Cathedral of Oran on December 8, 2018.
The 2010 French film Of Gods and Men brought global recognition to the story of the monks of Tibhirine.

The exhibition first presents the faces of the 19 martyrs and briefly introduces their individual stories and unique charisms. The exhibition’s first powerful message is inspired by a liturgical vestment belonging to Bishop Pierre Claverie of Oran, the last of the martyrs. The Arabic inscription on the vestment reads: “God is love.”

In the first room, a video and several panels recount the Algerian context: the terrorism that led to the deaths of 150,000 Algerians, including the 19 martyrs.
The second room focuses on the theme of dialogue with the Algerian people and the martyrs’ conscious decision to remain, fully aware of the risks they faced. Two short videos featuring previously unpublished testimonies and commentary present these themes; more than 20 interviews were conducted in Algeria, Tunisia, France, and Italy.

Between the second and third rooms, letters, garments, and objects belonging to the 19 martyrs will be displayed—physical signs and memories of their presence and mission.
The third room explores the legacy and meaning of the martyrs’ witness.
The final space is dedicated to the reading of the spiritual testament of Christian de Chergé, one of the most powerful texts of the past century. As the visit concludes, visitors will see the icon created to remember the martyrs in prayer, accompanied by an explanation of the symbols used.

As part of this year’s conference program, there will be two events connected to the exhibition: a screening of the 2010 film Of Gods and Men, with the participation of the French producer, and a roundtable discussion with Cardinal Vesco, the current Archbishop of Algiers, and an Augustinian nun who survived an attack.

With the support of Fondazione Cariplo