Westminster Record
May 2015 | 20p
Holy Week in the Cathedral
Catholic Deaf Awareness Week
Remembering Cardinal Manning 150 Years On
Pages 10-11
Page 15
Page 20
‘Christians Crucial to Mid-East Mosaic’
Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
In solidarity with Iraqi Christians who have been driven out of their homes and lands, Cardinal Vincent visited Erbil in northern Iraq on 11 and 12 April. In his Easter Vigil Homily the previous weekend the Cardinal spoke of the wretchedness of those who have been forced away from their homes', especially mentioning the millions of displaced people in Northern Iraq. In drawing attention to their plight the Cardinal is also seeking to promote the humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of all refugees and displaced people. While recognising the witness
and leadership of the Churches in Iraq, Cardinal Vincent is also asking what more can be done by governments across the world to prevent the persecution of Christians. Cardinal Vincent was accompanied on this journey by Bishop Nicholas. Archbishop Bashar Warda, the Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil, hosted the visit, during which they met with Christian families living in refugee camps, as well as Christian and political leaders. ‘I promise to tell your story.’ On Sunday 12 April, marked as the ‘First Sunday’ in the Chaldean calendar, the Cardinal joined Archbishop
Warda and the Chaldean community in the celebration of Mass in the Cathedral of St Joseph. The Cardinal expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he had received and his admiration for the courage shown by so many people who, in recent months, had lost everything except their family love and their faith. He also thanked the Chaldean Community in Erbil for the admirable and effective welcome they had given, under the leadership of their Archbishop, to so many thousands of displaced people. 'I promise to tell your story when I get home and that the Catholic people of England and
Wales will keep you all very much in their prayers. We know that so much more needs to be done so that you can return to your homes and lands. We pray for your perseverance and patience in these very difficult circumstances.' The Cardinal then reflected on the character of St Thomas who, in his suffering and sorrow, had stayed away from the community of the disciples. Only when he returned did he receive the good news of the Resurrection of the Lord. 'Never stay away from the community of the Church because of sadness, or anger, or distress. Always stay within the embrace of the community
because there, together, you will find the love and support which so reflects the love of the Lord. There you are able to say 'my Lord and my God'.' Finally, the Cardinal repeated the Lord's own greeting: 'Peace be with you.' 'This greeting does not mean that our lives will be free from trouble. The Lord does not promise that to us. Rather this greeting is a prayer that all the blessings of God will be given to you. And this is my greeting to you all. Please pray for us as we will most certainly pray for you all!'
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