For the first time in eight years, after being persecuted by the Islamic State, the bells of the Chaldean Catholic Church of Saint Paul in Mosul were rung again, on Sunday, November 13. via.
G. Tran Duc Anh, OP | RVA
The bell was hidden by a Muslim family during the occupation of the Nineveh Plains by Islamic State Forces.
Christians from various parts of Iraq traveled to Mosul to attend the bell ringing and subsequent mass.
Bishop Najeeb Michael, Dominican, Archbishop of the Diocese of Mosul and Akra, of the Chaldean Catholic Church, presided over the procession to the Grotto of Our Lady, patron saint of Mosul, on the cathedral's premises, before Mass. bell ringing ceremony is performed.
The Archbishop said: “The bell is an invitation to unite hearts to denounce violence and war. We hope the original people here will return home, return to their material and spiritual interests to taste security and stability, living in the heart of their city."
Paul's Cathedral was reopened in 2019, after being damaged by Islamic State forces during its occupation from 2014 to 2017. Pope Francis visited the site and was the first pope. He first celebrated Mass according to the Chaldean rite here.
(CNA 15-11-2022)