Catholic faith moves man to forgiveness after murder of wife and daughter

[rug]

Arturo Martinez-Sanchez reads a statement at the press conference with one of his sons. Photo used with permission.

By Benjamin Mann

Las Vegas, Nev., Jul 18, 2012 / 04:01 am (CNA).- Arturo Martinez-Sanchez says he had no choice but to forgive the man suspected of sexually assaulting and killing his wife and young daughter in an April 2012 attack that also left him seriously wounded.

“I have to forgive him, to go the way of life,” the Las Vegas resident told CNA in a July 17 interview. “It's in the Bible … I forgive him because I believe in God.”

“The Bible says: You forgive this gentleman, and you are forgiven yourself. That's the way it is,” said Martinez-Sanchez, a lifelong Catholic who said his upbringing and education in the Church impressed on him the need to forgive Bryan Clay.

Martinez-Sanchez recently held a press conference to declare that he forgave the 22-year-old Clay, who is accused of raping Arturo's 38-year-old wife Yadira and their 10-year-old daughter Karla. Both were beaten to death with a hammer by the attacker, who also inflicted severe head injuries on the father.

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholic-faith-moves-man-to-forgiveness-after-murder-of-wife-and-daughter/

He raped his ten year old daughter and his wife, the killed them both with a hammer. This is a strong and righteous man indeed.

Matthew 18

21 Then came Peter unto him and said: Lord, how often shall my brother offend against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith to him: I say not to thee, till seven times; but till seventy times seven times.

[demosincebirth]

1. Thanks for posting this, rug.

I have to be reminded about forgiveness

[rug]

2. Me too.

[musical_soul]

4. Me three.

and I often am reminded by people.

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

3. We all know this teaching

But unfortunately, few of us have the strength and the faith to follow it. I applaud Mr Martinez-Sanchez for reminding us.

[demosincebirth]

5. I hope none of us are ever in his position of forgiveness. God is truly Great.