Baghdad: In a powerful display of enduring faith and resilience, 450 children in Iraq's Qaragosh district have received their First Holy Communion, offering a profound message of hope amidst the enduring turmoil of the Middle East. Over the past month, these young boys and girls were welcomed to the Eucharist at ceremonies held across various churches in the city, presided over by Archbishop Benedictus Hanno.
Archbishop Hanno lauded the unwavering spirit of the Christian community, commending their steadfast determination to return to their ancestral lands despite the immense hardships and forced displacements they have endured. He spoke movingly of witnessing these children embrace their faith: "When we see these children receiving the Body of Christ in faith, we know that our families are steadfast in their commitment to faith. Our church is growing and thriving."
The Archbishop also underscored the pivotal role of Catholic families in nurturing their children's spiritual growth. He emphasized that when parents are united in their faith, the family transforms into an impenetrable fortress, capable of resisting temptations, evil influences, and moral degradation.
This renewed spiritual life in Qaragosh carries significant historical weight. The Christian population of the Nineveh region faced brutal persecution and forced expulsion when the Islamic State seized control on August 6, 2014. Thousands of Christians chose to abandon their homes and possessions rather than renounce their faith during this dark period. The area, particularly "Baghdada" in Iraq's northern Nineveh province, remains one of the largest Christian cities in the country. However, the community has significantly dwindled; pre-2014 figures estimated around 60,000 Christians, a number that has now tragically halved to approximately 30,000.
Despite this harrowing past and ongoing challenges, the sight of hundreds of children embracing their First Communion stands as a testament to the enduring strength and vibrant future of Christianity in Iraq.