Christians in Iraq and abroad fast "fervently" for peace
The two days of prayer and fasting called by the Chaldean Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly are being followed everywhere. There are masses in the diocese of Amadiyah and Erbil and prayers in Mosul. Chaldean migrants in Italy and Sweden are taking part.
Rome (AsiaNews) The initiative of the Chaldean Patriarch, Emmanuel III Delly, to call two days of fasting and prayer on 3 and 4 April, for peace in Iraq, is attracting a considerable following at home and abroad.
The Chaldean bishop of Amadiyah and Erbil, Mgr Rabban Al Qas, told AsiaNews that all the Christian community responded to the appeal launched yesterday by Benedict XVI. "Tomorrow, evening masses in all the churches of my diocese will be dedicated to peace," said the bishop. He said "prayer meetings and times for reflection are being held" in Mosul diocese too.
Mgr Rabban al-Qas said the initiative was "aimed at the entire population, not only Christians, but at Muslims and all Arabs in Iraq and the rest of the world". The bishop continued: "When I celebrated mass in Paris on 26 February for a congregation of around 1,000 people from our community of émigrés in France, I asked them too to pray for security and peace in these two days."
Some Chaldean Iraqis who migrated to Italy told AsiaNews about a "widespread and serious" commitment to the prayer and fasting. "We are taking part fervently together with our priests who are studying here," said one young Iraqi woman who lives in Rome. No meetings will be held for the Iraqis in Rome, but "at least one hour of prayer in each family is planned".
Another source of AsiaNews said that in "the tragic situation of Iraq, such a strong initiative by the patriarch has been welcomed with great joy". The source added: "It is the first time the Chaldean church has mobilized by taking such a decisive action with international involvement. Living conditions in the country have fallen to a very low level; there is the need to remain united." And a youth added: "We also find consolation and strength in the solidarity expressed by our Muslim friends".
AsiaNews was informed that the Chaldean community in Sweden is also fasting and praying for Iraq. "The patriarch's appeal was launched on several internet sites in Arabic run by Iraqi migration circles in Scandinavian countries, which keep up to date with the activities of the Church."
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28/05/2016 14:06
