'Iraqi Church Is Alive,' Bishop Says As Violence Decreases

[Catholic_Press]

Baghdad, Iraq, Jul 2, 2010 / 12:43 am (CNA).- A leading bishop in Iraq has that violence has decreased in the country, but advises continued vigilance. Neither terrorism nor fear have been defeated, he reported, urging the establishment of a strong and broadly supported government. “The Iraqi Church is alive,” he declared in an interview.

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[choy]

our substitute priest is Chaldean who is from Iraq and most of his homilies incorporate the stories of struggles of Chaldean Catholics in Iraq. one time he even told his parishoners not to come to Mass because of the war and for fear they’ll be slaughtered. i remember him telling us a young boy came for Mass anyway.

his stories are very interesting for the amount of mercy and miracles that occur for these people who despite persecution, never abandon their faith. i heard that many Chaldeans have moved to Syria to avoid persecution and now some of them found there way to the US and Canada

 

[Dale_M]

I am glad to hear such good news from Bishop Warduni. The ancient Chaldean rite of the Catholic Church is under threat. Chaldeans were leaving Iraq, if they could afford to, even before the US invasion. Once abroad, as generations pass and grandchildren are assimilated into the local culture, I think there is a tendency to drift away from ethnic traditions.

I truly hope the persecution of Iraqi Christians comes to an end and their population in Iraq can rebound.