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4/3/2015 - Syria - Prayer of the Salesians for the country: peace, holiness and vocations
Photo for the article -SYRIA - PRAYER OF THE SALESIANS FOR THE COUNTRY: PEACE, HOLINESS AND VOCATIONS

(ANS - Damascus)- Unfortunately, 2015 has started in Damascus in an atmosphere of real war. The day traditionally dedicated to the feast of Don Bosco was marked by intense shelling, followed by a heavy snowfall that, in some way, hindered the "rain" of rockets and missiles fired on the city.

 By Fr Munir El Rai, SDB, Provincial of the Middle East

Because of the cold, all the young people of the oratory were given a pair of winter tracksuit bottoms, soft, warm and very comfortable. They were much appreciated by all.        

On Friday 30 January there was a solemn Mass attended by  the SDB and FMA communities and the Salesian Cooperators plus twenty-four young people from the "Come and see" vocations group.  The Apostolic Nuncio, Bishop Mario Zenari, presided at the Mass. It had been well prepared and was much appreciated. The young people then took part in a vigil of prayer and meditation.

On 31 January, the celebration was intended to recall the life and work of Don Bosco. It was structured around the four elements that are characteristic of the Salesian community: home, school, church and playground. More than six hundred people took part. The celebration ended with Mass in the parish church of Salhieh. There were two bishops and many local clergy and religious.

On 5 February, at least forty-five missiles hit various parts of the city, including Salhieh which is close to our Youth Centre. Many were wounded by the shrapnel that scattered in all directions.

We continue to deliver economic aid to many young people and families, supplying them with the essentials.

Fr Stefano Martoglio, Councillor of the Mediterranean Region was with us 23 - 28 February for the Extraordinary Visitation. We enjoyed his visit and he helped us to live in a spirit of communion and witness.

After the attacks suffered by many Christian villages along the river Khabur, the Assyrian Christians in the northeast of Syria have taken refuge in the cities of Hasakah and Qamishli, which are closer and safer. There are over 200 families taking refuge in the two cities. A total of about 1,100 Christian families have fled and 250 Assyrian Christians were kidnapped. Many people fled with nothing, some even barefoot. These attacks are destroying the civilization and history of Syria and the coexistence between Christians and Muslims.

We Salesians in Syria, thank all our benefactors and we continue to pray asking the Lord for three gifts: peace, fruits of holiness among the young and vocations that will engage in building the Kingdom of God for the benefit of the Church and the people of Syria.

Published 04/03/2015

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