Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Erbil (Agenzia Fides) - The government of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan has proclaimed December 25 a holiday in order to express the solidarity of the institutions and the whole society towards Christians, on the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord. On that day, all employees of public institutions in the region, including schools, will observe a day of rest. The official spokesman of the government, Sven Dzia, published a congratulatory message on the website of the regional government addressed "to all fellow Christians of Kurdistan, Iraq and around the world" wishing a year of peace, security and stability.
Today the Chaldean priests present in Erbil and its suburbs - including those who fled from Mosul and Nineveh Plain – have gathered with their Bishops for a day of spiritual retreat, in preparation for Christmas. "The decision of the authorities of Iraqi Kurdistan testifies attention and closeness to our sufferings. Political leaders of Kurdistan repeat that they will do everything possible to free the towns and villages from which we had to flee" says to Agenzia Fides, Fr. Paul Thabit Mekko, who moved to Kurdistan after he had to leave Mosul, conquered by the jihadists of the Islamic State. "We are preparing ourselves to celebrate Christmas" adds Fr.Paolo "asking Jesus to bring peace and comfort in our hearts. We were moved by the message Pope Francis sent us a few days ago, and we hope that there will be others". (GV) (Agenzia Fides 23/12/2014)
