Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kirkuk (Agenzia Fides) – Some 400 Christian boys and girls belonging to different confessions took part in a Youth Day organised in Kirkuk by the local Chaldean Catholic archdiocese. The event, held on 17 October, was centred around the Chaldean Catholic Cathedral dedicated to Saint Joseph. From morning to late in the evening the kermis included Bible reflections, shared prayers, theatre plays, team games, conferences with questions and answers, as well as free time, to conclude with a torchlight procession and a display of fireworks. Spiritual reflection was offered by preachers and theologians of several different Christian churches, starting with the Chaldean Catholic archbishop Yousif Thomas Mirkis OP.
An attack on the town of Kirkuk by Islamic State jihadist fighters was thwarted in January this year. The city is defended by Peshmerga. Between last Saturday and Sunday the Iraqi army together with Kurd soldiers broke through the jihadist militia front around the city of Havija, in the south western part of Kirkuk province. The Syrian army has asked the city of Kirkuk to keep open a “security corridor” passage for refugees from Havija. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 23/10/2015)
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