In the mid 1990s, Algerian society was terrorized by the GIA (The Armed Islamic Group), a fundamentalist organization that had given an ultimatum to all “foreigners”: depart or die. At the time, the beheading of seven Trappist monks at the Tibherine monastery was widely reported in the world press. This book tells their story, but also tells the story of twelve other priests and religious sisters who, like the Monks of Tibherine, had courageously chosen to stay in Algeria despite the threat, and who ultimately paid for their dedication with their lives. Drawing on letters, journals, and his own interviews with people who knew the nineteen religious, the author shows how they operated schools, performed vital medical assistance, sponsored community gardens, taught trades, prepared students for state examinations, and maintained libraries—mainly in poor neighborhoods and rural villages. By witnessing Christ in their actions without ever attempting to make converts, the nineteen martyrs won the love of the Algerian people, a love that did not cease with their deaths.

This is a book written from the heart. It chronicles the heroic witness of these religious men and women and shows us that Christian-Muslim relations thrive when we draw close to each other in mutual respect, service, friendship, and prayer.

In the aftermath of September 11 and in light of the conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, learning to understand and draw close to our Muslim neighbors is essential if we wish to build a civilization of peace.