Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Baghdad (Fides Service )- “We will celebrate Christmas with solemnity despite the difficulties” local Church sources in Iraq told Fides. “Due to the lack of security we will not have midnight Mass in Baghdad or in smaller towns which were relatively safe a few months ago. We will celebrate the vigil in the early hours of the morning on the Christmas Day and our liturgies will be as solemn as possible”. Local Church representatives say it is not necessary to ask for protection. It will suffice to have members of the community keeping watch.
“Homilies will focus on the need to pray for the gifts of peace and security. Christmas celebrations in Iraq have always been simple and prayerful and. It is not the custom to exchange expensive presents. Life here has never been one of consumerism and certainly not today with fuel, gas and electricity rationed” local sources told Fides. Those most affected by the economic crisis are workers who have been out of a job for eight months now. “Fortunately they and their families are assisted by Caritas and this will enable them to celebrate Christmas with dignity” our sources said.
“The gift that Christians hope to receive from the Lord for this Christmas is security. Public order degenerates every day. Those who can afford to buy weapons for personal protection. The police always comes too late when the crime has been accomplished and there is nothing they can do. Most crimes go unpunished. Another alarming fact is spreading drug abuse especially among young people in Baghdad. Drugs have never been a problem here. It is only in the last few months that a market for drugs has grown. This is another concern we will entrust to the Lord” local sources told Fides.
“We will also pray for Iraqi girls many of whom are pulled into the circle of prostitution. Girls are so afraid of being kidnapped and forced into prostitution that they never go out. However despite the situation we do not want the return of the former regime. But we do ask the international community to help us solve these problems as soon as possible so we can build a free and democratic Iraq at last” local sources told Fides (L.M.) (Fides Service 22/12/2003, lines 31 words 396)
