Lenten Letter from Archbishop of Damascus

Archbishop Samir Nassar

Archbishop Samir Nassar, Maronite Archbishop of Damascus has written the following Lenten Letter, reflecting on: Mercy that Gives Life - 'Violence Generatrice de misericorde'.

The violence that has torn Syria and spilled blood for five years is also a source of Mercy.

1) The Family: There are already twelve million Syrian refugees and still more arrive for refuge. Charitable organizations have stretched their resources and are overwhelmed. The family, bulwark of Middle Eastern society, absorbs the trauma as it assumes the role of giving consolation and comfort. In a generous show of solidarity, twenty people share a single room dividing their daily bread, the life of each day and even the cemetery. These families are silent embodiments of Mercy. They do not seek repayment.

2) The Priests: The sacramental mission of priests in all of the Eastern Churches has been reduced by war. These priests have become social workers at the service of poor stricken families. They show the compassionate face of the Lord. Instead of running away, these audacious priests accept their mission as faithful servants of Mercy until the last. Five priests have offered their life in a mission of mediation and assistance. Two bishops and four priests have been reported missing as they brought supplies to those most in need.

3) The Consecrated: Nuns, monks and dedicated laity have launched a humanitarian and pedagogic focus in Syria:

The humanitarian focus: Aleppo was without water and electricity for a long time. Candles replaced electricity. But how can you live without water? Dedicated teams supply water at home for all old and ill persons. They search for water in available wells, in cisterns, in empty bombshells, and in buildings to assure 20 liters of water per home. Restaurants of the Heart deliver meals to those in need.

The pedagogic focus: Teams in Damascus assure psychological support for children traumatized by war and violence. Children of all religions gather for re-education in peace learning what it means to live together and accept differences. This vanguard project reveals a hidden face of the Church and the way of future. Another movement, led by the Jesuits, is directed at the youth and those who are desperate to leave the country.

4) The Movement of Fraternity: The Movement of Fraternity was created following the Israeli-Arab war of 1967. Fr. Paul, a Lazarite priest who manufactures prostheses for the disabled, founded it. They were the first to respond in this war, which mercilessly wounds and mutilates people every day. Assisted by charities connected to the Church the Movement of Fraternity provides rehabilitation for the wounded and time at a seaside resort tailored to offer them a rest and recreation. The venerable Father Paul, a genius of health care, exalts the face of the Good Samaritan in Syria.

5) Many initiatives are hidden in everyday actions carried out by the Society of St Vincent of Paul, Marian brotherhoods, orphanages and crowded places of refuge. Among the variety of movements manifesting solidarity and mercy the family remains the resilient and lasting sign of the splendor of mercy that permits the survival of church and country.

In witness, where of I sign.
+Samir NASSAR
Archevêque Maronite de Damas March 2016-Lent

Many thanks to Antonia Moffat for sharing this letter.

Two Pilgrimages are to take place in Walsingham in April which will have special intercession for the peace of the Middle East. 1. Divine Mercy Feast Day Pilgrimage - Sunday April 3rd -where there will be a collection for Archbishop Samir and his peoples in Damascus. 2. Lady of All Nations Pilgrimage on Saturday April 23rd. Contact Antonia for poster & further information on Email.... antonia4161@gmail.com