Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan urged his fellow bishops to be advocates of Christians persecuted for their faith around the world,

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Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, urged his fellow bishops to be advocates of Christians persecuted for their faith around the world, encouraging prayers as well as action on their behalf. “We bishops, as shepherds of one of the most richly blessed communities of faith on the planet, as pastors who have spoken with enthusiastic unity in defense of our own religious freedom, must become advocates and champions for these Christians whose lives hang in the balance, as we dare not allow our laudable battles over … Continue reading

Children in war

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The report “Children in war” of the International Committee of the Red Cross, issued in November 2009 says: Conflict increases the vulnerability of those who are already vulnerable, especially children. A child needs a family and a community that provide a nurturing and protective environment. The effects of war on the young can be devastating. But the resilience of boys and girls must not be underestimated. Well-targeted care can help them recover, cease to be victims of war, and take possession of their lives. And later on, talking about restoring … Continue reading

Spiritual Exercises in Duhok

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In Iraq the procedures to renew residency status are not so complicated, but are cumbersome. After requesting a letter from the Bishop, spending a whole morning in the Christian affairs office, and visiting approximately 30 offices in the building where the paperwork for residency is processed, one has to wait for the paperwork  to go through all the state revisions until the ok is given. The wait time is anywhere from one to ten months. In theory, we have had the residence (per year) an average of six months and the rest was waiting on … Continue reading