Mozambique: An Italian missionary nun was killed by terrorists in Mozambique. Sister Maria de Coppi (83), a member of the Comboni Missionary Community, was killed. Sister Maria served as a missionary in Mozambique for almost 60 years.

The sister was killed in the firing that took place in Chipen on the night of September 6.

During the five-hour attack, the terrorists looted and burned the mission's church, school, health centre, residences, library and vehicles.

"They destroyed everything," Alberto Vera, bishop of Nacala, told the pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need.

"The attackers vandalized the temple and destroyed part of the altar - probably for money," he added.

"As a result of the terrorist attack, on September 6, six citizens were beheaded, three were kidnapped, six terrorists were captured and dozens of houses were burned in the districts of Erati and Memba in the province of Nampula," says Mozambican President Felipe Nyusi.

The terrorists were fleeing from soldiers from Mozambique, Rwanda, and the Southern African Development Community.

The Chipene mission included two Italian missionary priests, Fathers Lorenzo Barro and Loris Vignadel, and at least three foreign religious sisters: two Italians and one Spaniard. All but Sister Maria survived the attack.

The mission's boarding school was evacuated of all its 35 male students, and most of its 45 female students, according to Aid to the Church in Need.

The pontifical charity reported that "According to eyewitness reports... the terrorists had arrived at the sisters' convent and forced them to leave. The other religious sisters had fled together with the girls, but Sister Maria, who was about to leave the house, suddenly thought of the little ones who might still be in the house and came back. It was then that they shot her.”

In the message, the nun explained to her niece that the situation had become complicated because "the group they call al-Shabaab, the insurgents, is very close."

“They're shooting here. We'll see each other in paradise. They are burning the house. If you don't hear from me anymore, I take the opportunity to apologize for my shortcomings and to tell you that I loved you very much. Remember me in prayer,” said Sister Maria.

"I have forgiven those who will kill me," she said. “You do the same. A hug from me.”