news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ml_iraq;_ylt=AhxwDQwHLkVXX46HNGUgpVSs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNiMjJxdHA4BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAxMjIzL21sX2lyYXEEY2NvZGUDbW9zdHBvcHVsYXIEY3BvcwM0BHBvcwMxBHB0A2hvbWVfY29rZQRzZWMDeW5faGVhZGxpbmVfbGlzdARzbGsDaXJhcWljaHVyY2hlKIRKUK, Iraq – No decorations, no midnight Mass. Even an appearance by Santa Claus has been nixed after Iraq’s Christian leaders called off Christmas celebrations amid new al-Qaida threats on the tiny community still terrified from a bloody siege on a Baghdad church.
How is this happening under America’s nose ?news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ml_iraq;_ylt=AhxwDQwHLkVXX46HNGUgpVSs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNiMjJxdHA4BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAxMjIzL21sX2lyYXEEY2NvZGUDbW9zdHBvcHVsYXIEY3BvcwM0BHBvcwMxBHB0A2hvbWVfY29rZQRzZWMDeW5faGVhZGxpbmVfbGlzdARzbGsDaXJhcWljaHVyY2hl
So very sad. It is just incredibly sad that the Iraqi Christians must give up the celebration of Christmas, except in their hearts, because of concerns for their safety. We should pray for peace.
Well, the United States backed out of Iraq and let the Iraqis take over. Unfortunately, there were probably no safeguards in place for the religious minorities such as Iraq’s Christians. The extremist Muslims seem to be in control, at least in some places in Iraq. I am sure that there are plenty of peaceful Muslims living in Iraq but some of them hate Christians. I am not sure why but I guess it might have something to do with the fact that some Muslims associate Christians with America. I have no idea why but that is the impression I get. And of course, fundamentalist/extremist Muslims tend to associate America with grave immorality.How is this happening under America’s nose ?
Pax,
Tim
Yep. I agree with you Dawn. I honestly believe that the Church in North America will one day have to go underground as well due to persecution. I don’t know how far off that is but I really don’t think it will happen anytime very soon. It may, though, and we have to be prepared for it if it does come. Whether or not it actually comes, I am not sure but Christians have been persecuted throughout the world ever since Pentecost and Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection so it would not surprise me if it does happen. After all, there are those who oppose us.This isn’t the first time the Church has gone underground…
and it won’t be the last.
Pay attention! Our time is coming!
God Bless you.
+Peace On Earth, Good Will Toward Men.
Love, Dawn
Al-Qaida is truly the grinch who stole Christmas.KIRKUK, Iraq – No decorations, no midnight Mass. Even an appearance by Santa Claus has been nixed after Iraq’s Christian leaders called off Christmas celebrations amid new al-Qaida threats on the tiny community still terrified from a bloody siege on a Baghdad church.
Can. 1248 §1 The obligation of assisting at Mass is satisfied wherever Mass is celebrated in a catholic rite either on a holyday itself or on the evening of the previous day.
§2 If it is impossible to assist at a eucharistic celebration, either because no sacred minister is available or for some other grave reason, the faithful are strongly recommended to take part in a liturgy of the Word, if there be such in the parish church or some other sacred place, which is celebrated in accordance with the provisions laid down by the diocesan Bishop; or to spend an appropriate time in prayer, whether personally or as a family or, as occasion presents, in a group of families.