Even in the face of ongoing instability in the Middle East, one powerful tradition continues to bring hope and unity to a resilient Christian community in Iraq.
In the town of Qaraqosh—also known as Baghdeda—more than 450 children recently celebrated their First Holy Communion, marking a moment of deep spiritual significance for families who have already endured so much.
A Month of Sacred Celebrations
Throughout the past month, local churches in Qaraqosh hosted a series of joyful liturgies, each welcoming groups of boys and girls dressed in white as they received the body of Christ for the very first time.
It was more than just a rite of passage—it was a vivid sign of survival, faith, and community renewal.
A Message of Endurance and Growth
Archbishop Benedictus Hanno, who led many of the Communion Masses, used the opportunity to speak directly to the strength of the people.
In his homilies, he praised the Christian families for their unwavering devotion, especially in the aftermath of trauma and displacement caused by years of conflict.
“When we see this shining group of children receiving Christ with such faith,” he told parishioners, “we know that our families remain deeply rooted in their beliefs—and our Church, even here, is growing and thriving.”
The Role of Families in Keeping Faith Alive
The archbishop also highlighted how vital Catholic families are in shaping their children’s faith journeys.
“When a father and mother walk together in faith,” he said, “they create a home as strong as a fortress—able to withstand temptation, evil, and the confusion of the modern world.”
That message resonated throughout the churches, as parents and loved ones looked on with pride at the young generation embracing their spiritual heritage.
A Community Tested by History
The people of Qaraqosh are no strangers to hardship.
Many of these same families were forced to flee their homes in August 2014 when ISIS took control of the Nineveh Plain.
Displaced, uprooted, and persecuted, they chose to protect their faith above all else.
In an earlier interview with ACI MENA, Archbishop Hanno reflected on that painful chapter: “They gave up everything—their homes, their belongings—to remain faithful.
That is a courage that should never be forgotten.”
A Testament to Christian Resilience
These First Communion celebrations, while deeply personal for each child, are also a powerful communal event.
As Archbishop Hanno noted, they are “a great joy for our Church and a living testimony to the renewal and perseverance of Christian faith.”
Despite the challenges of the past—and whatever lies ahead—the people of Qaraqosh are determined to keep their faith alive, one sacred moment at a time.