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You are here : Home News New rash of bombings hits Iraqi Christian churches

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New rash of bombings hits Iraqi Christian churches

Kirkuk, Jan. 9, 2008 (CWNews.com) - Three churches in Kirkuk, Iraq, were hit by car bombs on Wednesday afternoon, January 9, the AsiaNews service reports.

The bombings follow closely after a series of blasts at Catholic churches and Church-run institutions in Baghdad and Mosul on January 6. Following those Sunday attacks, Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki had issued a promise that the government would provide adequate protection for Christian institutions and would apprehend the Islamic terrorists who are presumed to be responsible for the intimidation campaign.

The attacks in Kirkuk came just one day after the prime minister offered that public guarantee. The bombs hit 2 Eastern Catholic churches; the third church struck by the car-bombing campaign has not yet been identified. The bombings were the first such attacks against Christians in Kirkuk, AsiaNews pointed out. The city's Christians had been living in peace, relatively unaffected by the threats of violence that have troubled the Christian minority elsewhere in Iraq.

Prayer for Life

O Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son, enlighten the minds and hearts of those blinded to the truth that life begins at conception so that they may see that the pre-born in the womb is already adorned with Your image and likeness. Enable us to guard, cherish and protect the lives of all those who are unable to care for themselves. For You are the Bestower of Life, bringing each man from non-being into being, sealing each with your divine and infinite love and we glorify you together with Your Father, Who is without beginning, and your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Wisdom from the Church Fathers

Let us consider, then, brethren, of what matter we were formed, who we are, and with what nature we came into the world, and how He Who formed and created us brought us into His world from the darkness of a grave, and prepared his benefits for us before we were born. Since, therefore, we have everything from Him, we ought in everything to give Him thanks, to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

St. Clement of Rome
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