The chapel for Iraq would like to invite you to join the vigil by candlelight, where you can unite with others in prayer and show your support for the Iraqi Christian community, and all victims of religious persecution.
Before the 2003 invasion of Iraq, as many as 1.4 million Christians lived in the country. Today, fewer than 250,000 remain. In 2014, Daesh tried to eliminate Christianity in areas under their control by destroying churches and carrying out forced conversions.
According to the Norwegian Refugee Council, there are about 1.6 million Iraqi's who remain displaced, with nearly a quarter of these people still living in displacement camps. Within the consequences of war, around 2.5 million Iraqi children are also in need of access to education.
The UN have stated, that 45,000 displaced Iraqi children lack identification documents, with many of these children being left unable to receive even a basic education. As Pope Francis stated in 2016: "My heart bleeds when I think of the children of Iraq. May Mary, Our Mother, protect them."
Taking part in the vigil by candlelight can be done in Church or at home. You can give focus to your prayers and aid those who are experiencing bereavement, displacement or disabilities as a result of war. You are also invited to pray for the peacemakers, who are aiding others without prejudice.
By joining the vigil by candlelight, you are not only offering a prayer for the Church but are showing your solidarity with all victims of war. We would also like to ask, that you consider making a donation to our chapel collection, which will go towards Aid to the Church in Need's work in Iraq.
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