Two Easter hampers have been kindly donated to the Parish to raffle in support of our Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq in anticipation of Pope Francis’ visit next month. These hampers contain a collection of hand-knitted ducklings and chickens of varying sizes, along with Easter Eggs. Those wishing to purchase tickets can call into, or contact the Parish Office. Each line is €2 and the raffle will take place on Palm Sunday. This is a Lenten opportunity for our parish community to unite in practical support of Christians in Iraq as they rebuild their homes, their lives and churches in the wake of the destruction caused by Isalmic State. Christians have lived in Nineveh since the first century A.D., and of course the city of Nineveh appears in the old Testament, being part of the story of the prophet Jonah; today it forms a part of the city of Mosul. Proceeds from the raffle will support the work of the Nineveh Plains Project which endeavours to resettle Christians in this sacred land.
This almsgiving opportunity is particularly appropriate considering Pope Francis’ recent visit to persecuted religious minorities in Iraq. In his visit at the beginning of this month Pope Francis drew attention to how religious groups, especially Christians, have borne the burden of discrimination and outright violence for far too long.
“How cruel it is that this country, the cradle of civilisation, should have been afflicted by so barbarous a blow, with ancient places of worship destroyed and many thousands of people — Muslims, Christians, Yazidis — who were cruelly annihilated by terrorism — and others forcibly displaced or killed…today, however, we reaffirm our conviction that fraternity is more durable than fratricide, that hope is more powerful than hatred, that peace more powerful than war.”
Let us keep these persecuted groups in our prayers and please consider taking advantage of this practical almsgiving opportunity.
