Home » Projects » Construction » Iraq: The resurrection of Al-Tahira

Iraq: The resurrection of Al-Tahira

In the Third Station of his Way of the Cross (Jesus falls for the first time), Pope Saint John Paul II begins his contemplation in these words: “Jesus falls beneath the burden of the Cross. He falls to the ground. He does not seek refuge in his supernatural powers, does not call on the strength of the angels.” There was no power to help the Christians in Iraq, when in August 2014 they were forced to flee the town of Qaraqosh, then the largest Christian town in the country, and leave it to fall into the bloody hands of IS. Those who remained suffered, many were murdered or enslaved, their homes were set fire to, 11 Christian churches and 70 other Church-Iraq owned buildings were systematically torched, and all the Christian religious symbols were destroyed. Even the largest Christian church in Iraq, Al-Tahira Cathedral – dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – was desecrated and torched. The Islamists carried out target practice in the cathedral’s great outer courtyard.

The Divine Liturgy in Al-Tahira Cathedral – the walls still blackened and partly open to the elements.
The Divine Liturgy in Al-Tahira Cathedral – the walls still blackened and partly open to the elements.

The resurrection of Al-Tahira Two years later, after the terrorists had been expelled, the people began to return to Qaraqosh. By now almost half the original Christian population are back, and – thanks to your generosity – many of the houses have already been repaired or rebuilt. Now they want to restore the Cathedral of Al-Tahira to its former glory. Its symbolic importance extends well beyond the city of Qaraqosh. Despite the destruction, the Christians have been gathering in the burnt-out ruins to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. At the end of his meditation, Saint John Paul II wrote: “Through the repeated falls of Christ beneath the Cross, God will win healing and salvation for mankind.” It is the power of Love that heals. We are helping with €200,000.

Don't miss the latest updates!

Children prepare to send “tidal wave of prayer” around the world

Responds to the ever-pressing yearning for peace and unity in…

Iraq: Ecumenical festival points to future for persecuted Church

Today, the very same communities will raise the Cross high…

Bishop denounces illegal occupation of Church land in Mozambique

"Officials who were sent there were chased away, there must…

Priest’s murder shocks Sierra Leone

Father Amadu was a man of peace, compassion, and unwavering…

Christian clergy in Gaza defy evacuation orders to remain with their flocks

Like other residents of Gaza City, the refugees living in…

Mozambique: Pope “close” to suffering people of Cabo Delgado

The Pope’s words were an important solace for the people…

Thousands of children prepare to return to school, thanks to ACN

Many families would not have been able to pay tuition…

List of News

ACN denounces new massacre in Ntoyo as situation in eastern Congo deteriorates

International Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses its deep concern and solidarity with the families of the victims of a brutal attack carried out on September...

“No one can silence the voice or erase the love of the martyrs,” says Pope

ACN International executive president Regina Lynch says the organisation is proud to support those who are persecuted or even make the ultimate sacrifice for their faith. Pope Leo XIV celebrated...

Vatican gathers the stories of 1,624 Christians murdered for their faith since the year 2000

An ecumenical tribute will be held in Rome, but names will not be published for now A Vatican commission comprising historians, theologians and other experts has documented the stories of...