Chaldean Patriarch celebrates Holy Thursday with disabled and marginalised Christians and Muslims
Baghdad (AsiaNews) - Chaldean Patriarch Raphael Louis Sako I celebrated Holy Thursday at 'Beit Ania,' a residential facility located in Baghdad for people with severe disabilities who have no family.
His Beatitude, who visited the centre along with Auxiliary Bishop Mgr Shlemon Warduni and eight other priests, celebrated the Coena Domini with them.
He also performed the traditional rite of the 'washing of the feet' (pictured) on 12 people, including two Muslim women and a Mandaite woman.
Two Christian women, Alhan and Anwar, set up 'Beit Ania' in 2000 when they took to the streets of the capital looking for people with no family, alone and abandoned. Thanks to the generosity of the faithful, they were able to buy a house to welcome the less fortunate.
Today it is considered a true "oasis of peace and coexistence," home to more than 50 people, men and women, Christians, Muslims and members other religious faiths.
"Today we are celebrating true Easter," His Beatitude said in his homily. "Like two disciples of Jesus, Alhan and Anwar prepared everything" for the service.
"You need the Lord," Mar Sako told the facility's residents. "Despite your physical or social condition, you are close to God and Easter is for you."
When he directly addressed the issue of disabilities, the Chaldean Patriarch said, "You can find great strength in your handicap in order to live in peace and joy". And "Through the power of Easter you are transformed."
What is more, "We are all Christians and Muslims; we are brothers," he explained. "Our religion must be an excellent opportunity to live in peace and joy."
"Our prayer today," Mar Sako said in his closing remarks, "is a token of gratitude and affection. This is the true Easter."
At the end of the ceremony, the Chaldean patriarch offered the residents a meal, as a token of his closeness, friendship and sharing.
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28/03/2018 16:07
