Esperanza in Iraq: Church full while 1,500 children celebrate their first communion

Eleven years have passed since the Islamic State (ISIS) took Mosul and the cities of Nineveh, and with each commemorable anniversary, the same question arises: how many Iraqi Christians are left?

Despite tensions and new challenges caused by regional conflicts, churches in Iraq remain full. Just a few weeks ago, Christians celebrated with joy while 1,000 children received their first communion.

In the capital, the Caldeas parishes celebrated the first communion of 50 children, while another 32 received it in the Catholic Syrian parish.

Especially significantly, 11 children received the first communion in the Syrian Catholic Church of Our Lady of Liberation, the same temple that in 2010 was the scene of a massacre in which dozens of faithful and two priests died, and hundreds were injured more.

Guarding the deposit of faith

In Qaraqosh (Baghdeda), the churches belonging to the Syrian Catholic Archdiocese of Mosul and its units celebrated the first communion of 461 children in three different ceremonies. Another 30 children received the sacrament in the nearby towns of Bashiqa and Bartella, in liturgies presided by Archbishop Benedicts Youngo Hanno.

In their homilies, Hanno praised the determination of the faithful to remain in their ancestral land and their courage when returning after forced displacement. He also highlighted his commitment to preserve faith and transmit it to his children, who have grown up in stable, united and devout families.

Some celebrate, others expect

In Basora, Christian families have been reduced to less than 350 among all denominations – Caldea, Armenia, Syrian, Presbyterian and Latin – but remain firm in their land despite the harsh living and environmental conditions. This year, the Diocese Caldea and Católica Syrian postponed the first communion celebrations, hoping to gather a sufficient group of children for next year.

In Karemlesh, which is part of the Archdiocese Caldea de Mosul, 26 children are preparing to receive the Eucharist. For its part, the Diocese Caldea de Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah celebrated the first communion of 26 children in the cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Kirkuk. In Sulaymaniyah, as in Basora, the celebration is expected to celebrate next year.

Peoples from Northern Iraq

The Churches of Ankawa, within the Diocese Caldea de Erbil, lived two extraordinary days.

Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda presided over three masses in which 210 children received the first communion. In his homilies, he stressed that the sacrament goes far beyond the beautiful photos and white dresses: it represents a commitment of life that converts the households of the communes into places where Jesus is present through forgiveness, active listening and generosity.

Also in Ankawa, 66 children from the Syrian Catholic Diocese of Adiabene received the Eucharist, along with another 15 in Duhok. In the Diocese Caldea de Duhok, 75 children celebrated their first communion, while 150 did it in the neighboring diocese of Zakho. A similar figure in the Diocese of Alqosh, currently without bishop, will receive the sacrament in the next few days.

The Syrian Orthodox Church also celebrated the first communion of about 70 children in Bartella and 40 in Ankawa, including children from other denominations.

Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in CNA.