Mirna, international vice coordinator, accompanies the Middle East province. Recently she was invited to a gathering of the Iraqi community "Love and Joy," where Faith and Light does not officially operate for various reasons. Yet "Love and Joy" follows the same principles and shares the same spirituality (Jean Vanier once visited). Contact exists with Imad, the national coordinator, who invited Mirna to their national meeting held in Qaraqosh, in the north of the country. Here is what Mirna saw.
We shared deeply, and we heard many stories of great suffering. Most of the participants had experienced kidnapping, torture, threats, and murder directly. Numerous families live in fear. Many who cannot leave feel abandoned, alone, despairing—they see no light ahead. The "Love and Joy" communities face the same reality; each week they lose friends, and the communities grow smaller.
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The churches are deeply wounded. There are many martyrs: bishops, priests, laypeople. Many churches in Mosul have closed; fewer and fewer Christians remain. Yet some, with rock-solid faith, want to stay in their country at any cost. And despite everything, we felt the joy of supporting one another—especially in our small group sharing. There were moments of real delight: laughter, singing, applause, dancing, preparing meals together. And times to pray and celebrate the Eucharist.
New bishops have been appointed, and their faith is unshakeable. They encourage everyone to stay, to witness to God incarnate and full of love. Many young priests accompany families and young people. There are currently 27 communities that meet as often as they can, living friendship with disabled people and learning from them how to forgive—how to free their hearts from hatred.
The participants were deeply engaged: they listened with great openness, welcomed one another, and participated actively in every part of the program, marked throughout by joy. Imad, the coordinator of "Love and Joy," spoke on behalf of everyone, expressing gratitude and saying how much the presence of Faith and Light beside them meant. How do we weave all these emotions together—death and resurrection? That is life itself.
Mirna Hayek, 2012
International Vice Coordinator
