Pope in Qaraqosh: “God has the last word, not terrorism and death”

Argentina



[ad_1]

As part of his apostolic trip to Iraq, Francis visited the long-suffering Christian community of the city of Qaraqosh with which he prayed to the Angelus. In his speech, the Holy Father encouraged them “not to be discouraged” in the long road of reconstruction which awaits them, confident that “God never disappoints” since he has the last word and “not terrorism or dead “. In addition, the Pope has entrusted to the Virgin Mary “the rebirth of this city”.

Vatican City

On the third day of his apostolic trip to Iraq, after praying in the city of Mosul for the victims of the war, Pope Francis visited the Christian community of Qaraqosh and prayed with them the prayer of the Marian Angelus in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

God conquers sin and death

After thanking Patriarch Ignace Youssif Younan for his welcome, as well as Mrs. Doha Sabah Abdallah and Father Ammar Yako for sharing their testimonies of faith in the midst of a harsh scene of violence; The Pope expressed his gratitude to God for allowing him to experience this meeting:

“Looking at them, I see the cultural and religious diversity of the people of Qaraqosh, and it shows some of the beauty that your region offers for the future. Your presence here reminds us that beauty is not monochromatic, but shines. through variety and differences ”, Francis said, recalling also,“ with great sadness ”, the other signs that are perceived in this Iraqi Christian city:

“The signs of the destructive power of violence, hatred and war. How many things have been destroyed. And how many needs to be rebuilt. Our meeting shows that terrorism and death never have the last word. The last word belongs to God and to his Son, conqueror of sin and death “

Devastation can be seen with the eyes of faith

In this sense, the Holy Father underlined that even in the face of the devastation caused by terrorism and war, we can see it “with the eyes of faith “, the “triumph of life over death” and the proof of it – continued Francisco – “is the example of their fathers and mothers in the faith who worshiped and praised God in this place”.

“The great spiritual heritage that you left us continues to live in you. Embrace this heritage. This heritage is your strength. The time has come to rebuild and start over, entrusting ourselves to the grace of God, which guides the destiny of every man and of all peoples. They are not alone! The whole Church is with you, through prayer and concrete charity “

“Trust in God, he never disappoints”

This is why the Pope invited this Christian community to persevere “with firm hope in its earthly journey, trusting in God who never disappoints and who always supports us with his grace”.

The reconstruction of which the Pontiff speaks does not refer only to buildings and physical structures, but also to rebuilding “the bonds that unite communities and families, young and old”.

Young and old united by their dreams

Alluding to the words of the prophet who said His sons and daughters will prophesy; their elders will have dreams, and their young people, visions ”(cf. Jl 3,1), the bishop of Rome underlined that when the old and the young of a city “meet”, the old ones “dream of a future for the young”; and the latter, “can collect these dreams and prophesy”, that is to say, realize them.

“When the old and the young come together, we preserve and pass on the gifts that God gives. Let us look at our children, knowing that they will inherit not only a land, a culture and a tradition, but also the living fruits of faith which are the blessings of God on this earth. I encourage you not to forget who you are and where you come from, to keep the bonds that unite you and to keep your roots “

“Do not forget that Jesus is by your side”

Concerning the times when faith can falter, “when it seems that God neither sees nor acts”, as can happen in the darkest days of war, insecurity or crisis due to current health pandemic, the Pope urged those present not to forget that Jesus is by their side.

“Do not stop dreaming. Do not give up, do not lose hope”, said Francis, encouraging us to invoke the intercession of the saints who watch over us from heaven: “Let us invoke them and do not tire of ask for their intercession., including “the saints next door”, who live near us and are a reflection of the presence of God.

“Forgiveness is necessary to remain a Christian”

Another central point of the Pope’s speech was the question of forgiveness, which is necessary for those who have survived the terrorist attacks. Forgiveness, “a key word” necessary to “remain in love, to remain Christian,” said the Pope.

Likewise, the Pope asked the Qaraqosh community “please” not to be discouraged as the “road to full recovery may still be long.”

“It takes the ability to forgive and, at the same time, the courage to fight. I know it is very difficult. But we believe that God can bring peace to this earth. We trust him and, with all people of good will, we say “no” to terrorism and the instrumentalization of religion “.

Pray for the conversion of hearts

Likewise, Francis underlined the importance of giving thanks to God, always, “for his gifts”, and of asking him to grant “peace, forgiveness and fraternity” to this land and its inhabitants:

“Let us not tire of praying for the conversion of hearts and for the triumph of a culture of life, of reconciliation and of fraternal love which respects differences, different religious traditions and strives to build a future. of unity and collaboration among all people of good will, “he added.

“I entrusted to Maria the rebirth of this city”

On the other hand, the Holy Father shared with the faithful a privileged moment that he lived on his arrival in Qaraqosh:

“When I arrived with the helicopter, I looked at the statue of the Virgin Mary placed above this Church of the Immaculate Conception, and I entrusted to her the rebirth of this city. Our Lady protects us not only from above, but also comes down to us with maternal tenderness. This image of hers has even been damaged and trampled on, but the face of the Mother of God continues to look at us tenderly. Because that’s how mothers do: they console, comfort, give life “

The Pope thanks the mothers and women of Iraq

Before saying goodbye, the Pope thanked all mothers and women in this country, “courageous women who continue to give life, despite abuse and wounds” and asked that women “be respected and defended. , that they give them care and opportunities ”.

Francisco signs the book of honor

The visit ended with the prayer of the Angelus: “Let us pray together to our Mother invoking her intercession for your needs and your projects. I place you all under her protection. And I ask you, please, to do not forget to pray for me. “, concluded Francisco, who then proceeded to the signing of the Book of Honor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, writing these words:

“From this destroyed and rebuilt church, symbol of the hope of Qaraqosh and of all Iraq, I ask God, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, for the gift of peace”

Photo gallery

Meeting of the Pope in Qaraqosh

.

[ad_2]
Source link

Tags

Powered by https://naaju.com/argentina | Designed by Naaju
© Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved