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Iraq: overflow Easter crowd at site of October massacre

CWNews.com - So many Catholics attended Easter Sunday Mass at Baghdad’s Syrian Catholic cathedral that the number of Masses had to be increased from one to three, according to Aid to the Church in Need. The cathedral was the site of an October 31 massacre that left 58 dead.

In Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, Holy Thursday evening Mass was canceled because of a curfew, and the Easter Vigil Mass was canceled because of fears for the safety of parishioners. Numerous Catholics attended the Good Friday service, some walking more than an hour after authorities forbade cars in some areas of the city amid security fears.

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Wisdom from the Church Fathers

There is nothing impossible unto those who believe; lively and unshaken faith can accomplish great miracles in the twinkling of an eye. Besides, even without our sincere and firm faith, miracles are accomplished, such as the miracles of the sacraments; for God's Mystery is always accomplished, even though we were incredulous or unbelieving at the time of its celebration. "Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?" (Rom. 3:3). Our wickedness shall not overpower the unspeakable goodness and mercy of God; our dullness shall not overpower God's wisdom, nor our infirmity God's omnipotence.

St. John of Kronstadt, My Life in Christ
You are here: Home News News News of the Christian East Iraq: overflow Easter crowd at site of October massacre