Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Erbil (Agenzia Fides) - In preparation for Easter some 80 young Catholics of the Chaldean Catholic Sacred Heart parish in Erbil took part in a spiritual retreat at a Marian Shrine in the same town. Besides special prayers for peace and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the youngsters also reflected on Pope Benedict XVI Message for World Youth Day addressed to young people of the world.
News of the retreat was shared on Bagdadhope. The young people write: “The spiritual retreat organised by the parish priest Fr Rayan P. Atto of Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic parish in Erbil was an experience of profound communion with our brothers and sisters all over the world. With the help of a large TV screen we prayed with Pope Benedict XVI: a wonderful experience. Then we prepared the church for mass. It was as if Jesus had pitched his tent among us: we stayed all night with him until dawn. We fasted and worked in the Shrine garden. We were tired but thinking of Christ’s passion helped us bear the fatigue. We prayed for a world of peace and love, especially in our beloved country of Iraq”. “At the retreat in Erbil we were with young Catholics from all over Iraq and it was an opportunity to share experiences and hopes ”.
With regard to the future they write: “We hope to take part in the World Youth Day next year in Sydney, Australia. It would be wonderful to be there with the Pope and our brothers and sisters from all over the world, gathered in the same place to listen to God’s word and to adore Him”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/4/2007 righe 28 parole 285)
