Happy Easter
LettersFr. Ibrahim Alsabagh of Syria witnesses to the miracles he has witnessed in his war torn country in this Easter greeting.
#MiddleEast
We continue to pray. Our story in Syria is not over
WorldThe drama of the civil war in Syria has intensified in the last month, especially in the city of Ghouta, located 20 km from Damascus. Parish priest of Aleppo, Father Ibrahim Alsabagh, and other religious in the area talk about the situation.
Saving the children of Aleppo, at risk of becoming a ‘lost’ generation
WorldMore than 150 young people, aged 6 to 13, are taking after-school courses organised by the city’s Latin parish. For Fr Ibrahim, they are "the most fragile and need all kind of help”. Many of them are “difficult” cases.
Brother Alois and the World missionaries special “thanks”
WorldFrom France to Syria, from Mongolia to Nigeria, from Brazil to Benin to the Solomon Islands: the Te Deum of the Church for the past year
Iraq: Return to Qaraqosh
Current EventsThe refugees from Erbil re-turn to their homes. But how can they begin again? Today, in this story written in arms and oil, there is "a decisive front" which also passes through the AVSI Tent Campaign.
The Beginning of Peace
WorldThe story of the Tamras family: the night of the attack, the imprisonment, and the faith of three kids together with their father and grandfather while their mother negotiated with one of the militants.
Christians and Muslims in the Twenty-First Century: Is it Possible to Build Bridges?
ChurchThe epochal challenges of terrorism and migration, the role of religion in contemporary society. What do Pope Francis’ words and gestures in Egypt teach us? An analysis by Javier Maria Prades López. (from Jotdown.es)
Standing in Solidarity with Syria and Iraq
LettersA look into the "plight of Christians in Syria and Northern Iraq, where war against ISIS and other extremist groups has persisted for the last six years."
Syria, Buccellatis and friends: a Crossroads
LettersOn April 20th, Houston Crossroads Cultural Center hosted noted archeologists Giorgio and Marilyn Buccellati for a lecture at the Houston Museum of Natural Science....
A School that Helps Children Escaping War in Syria
School"When they come here to play ball, they are together, they talk to each other." An AVSI Foundation initiative in Lebanon to educate Christian and Muslim refugees.
Return to Damascus
WorldThe friendship with an Italian colleague. Then in Russia, the meeting with the CL community. The story of how Soulaiman, a doctor, chose to return to the country at war so that his childhood friends could come to know what had changed his life.
Your Grace is More Valuable
LettersGive up the Christian faith, pay taxes to the Islamic State, which actually means to lose basic rights, leave “the land of Islam” behind or die beheaded...
The Middle East in Texas
LettersI remember my awe at a faith that can save all things. A faith that turns our eyes away from nothing, but proclaims God’s name in all things...
Your Love is Better Than Life: Christians
in the Middle East
US, UK and MoreDespite the rise of terrorism and Civil War in the Arab Spring, certainty and joy dominate local Christians. Archbishop Amel Nona and Fr. Pier Battista Pizzaballa shared stories of hope and freedom in the Middle East at the 2016 New York Encounter.
We Love Life More than They Want Death
World"Is there a good to give our lives to that is greater than the evil that denies life?" We publish a reflection on the recent terrorist attacks in Madrid, London and Paris.
Witness of the Franciscan Superior of the Holy Land
EncountersThe 16th annual gathering was entitled For Freedom Set Free. Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Custos of the Holy Land was among the invited speakers and addressed the timely topic “Christians in the Middle East: What future, what hope?”
POPE MAKES A PLEA ON BEHALF OF REFUGEES
ChurchDuring his US trip, we heard Pope Francis give a powerful plea to our nation on behalf of refugees, urging us not to be taken aback by the great numbers but to always treat displaced people as human beings.
The Fragrance of Christ Amidst the Bombs
Current EventsExcerpts from the presentation by Fr. Ibrahim Alsabagh, pastor of Latin Rite Catholics in Aleppo, who told the story of life in the “line of fire.” Just 50 yards from terrorists...
A "Redeemed" Gaze
Current EventsOutlook on Syria, the lives of martyrs today and what we can contribute, from the perspective of a “redeemed gaze.” Published below are excerpts from a talk by Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, custodian of the Holy Land
Lisa's Thirst
WorldHere a high school student witnesses to the mercy of God and the positivity of reality in her conviction that even those in ISIS have the same heart as everyone else.
They Are Our Martyrs
Church“They suffer, they give us their lives, and we receive God’s blessing through their testimony.” Pope Francis is asking the world not to turn a blind eye to persecuted Christians.