Dear parishioners:

We have been witnessing the sad exodus of Christians from the parts of Syria and Iraq controlled by the Islamic State. Christians have lived and worshipped in those cities and villages since the earliest centuries following Christ. Now, they have been given the choice of converting to Islam, or be killed, or flee, leaving all their possessions behind. Entire cities have seen their Christian populations disappear due to this targeted oppression. And it seems like there will be no military or political protection provided these unfortunate families in their native place. In the face of this human suffering of thousands, if not tens of thousands of people, we are powerless except to pray. In the past the fervent prayers of the Christian world have defended other Christians in danger from invasion. That is our only hope for these suffering brother and sisters now. I propose to you below the prayer from the Roman Missal in time of war or civil disturbance. You can pray it at home with the intention of praying for the Christians in the Middle East who are being driven from their homes.

O God, author and lover peace,
to know you is to live, and to serve you is to reign;
Defend against every attack those who cry to you,
so that we, who trust in your protection,
may not fear the weapons of any foe.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

God bless,
Fr. Marc Caron, Pastor