Syria: New church among ruins in Damascus: 'a star of the Magi'

In the midst of the ruins and destruction, after three years of war, a new Maronite church is rising in Damascus. The church will be inaugurated on January 8, in the district of Kachkoul, on the east outskirts of Damascus, and will be entitled to the Blessed Massabki Brothers, martyrs of Damascus, killed in 1860.

Mgr Samir Nassar, Maronite Archbishop of Damascus, describes the event as "a true gift of Christmas: it will be an oasis of prayer and a sign of joy and hope in the midst of a world of violence, intolerance and fear".... "In the midst of the ruins, this new chapel looks like the star of the Magi, which leads to the Divine Child", he said.

"Despite the war, despite the serious social and economic problems, our priests and faithful have launched three projects to develop three chapels in three districts in Damascus. This is the first. The other two will be in the neighbourhoods of Douwaylaa and Jaramana. These places are needed to strengthen the community of the faithful, to organize meetings and catechesis on the Bible and evenings of prayer and fraternity.

"In this difficult time, of insecurity and violence, Christ continues to draw more and more."

The Archbishop concluded: "Building a church in times of war and desolation expresses the desire to win death and the courage to live faith. Our brave faithful have chosen to remain in the city, to go against the tide and put their trust in Jesus Christ, in this dark night. This year Christmas in Damascus will also be a celebration of Resurrection."

Source: Fides