Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lourdes (Agenzia Fides) – "Stay with us; pray for us. We need your moral and fraternal support," is the appeal made by the Iraqi bishops, on behalf of all Christians of Iraq, to all the faithful and to the bishops of France, meeting yesterday, November 4, in Lourdes for the Plenary Assembly of the Bishops' Conference.
In a message sent to the prelates, a copy of which has come to Fides, the Iraqi Bishops entrust themselves to the special intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, asking that the Lord will protect them in this time of great suffering.
The message, which will be read Sunday, November 7, in all the parishes of France, says: "This is a difficult time and it seems to be long-lasting. The massacre at the Church of Our Lady of Deliverance has left us deeply shocked. ... But we do not lose faith and hope." The event of unprecedented severity, which occurred just after the conclusion of the Synod, "offends us even more," say the bishops.
"Thus, we are in need of your prayer and your moral and fraternal support. Your friendship encourages us to remain in our land, to persevere, and to hope. Without that we feel isolated. We need your compassion in the face of everything that affects the lives of innocent people, Christians and Muslims. Stay with us - concludes the text - stay with us until the trial has passed." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 05/11/2010)
