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Syria: Marists build playground, Franciscans house refugees in bombed city of Aleppo


image UNICEF

image UNICEF

In spite of the relentless shelling and aerial attacks, the Christian communities in Aleppo are continuing to do all they can to reach out and support people in need.

Last weekend the Marist Brothers built a playground inside their property, with swings, slides and open spaces for local children whose neighbourhoods have once again been bombed and shelled. It was officially opened on Sunday, the feast of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Congregation of the Marist Brothers - a day in which there was also heavy bombing in parts of the city. Despite this, a large number of families came for the event.

Armenian Catholic priest Elias Janji said two charities helped fund the playground and have also financed at least 100 health insurance policies for families.

The Maidan district, inhabited mainly by Armenian families has suffered heavy shelling recently, causing more than 20 deaths and many injuries.

Elsewhere in the city other Christian projects serving people of all faiths have suffered attacks. An elderly woman died and two others were seriously injured when jihadist missiles hit the Terre Sainte College on 21 May. The centre hosts about 20 elderly women.

Father Firas Lutfi, the Franciscan superior of the College, writes: "At about six in the evening the Terre Sainte College was hit by several missiles. The college is a dear place for many people in Aleppo, especially for the families that arrive here every day to take a breath of clean air and to recover from the ongoing conflict. An elderly woman was killed... Two other were seriously injured! The other twenty women living in the convent, were already shocked after their nursing house was bombed about a year ago. Now we do not know either how or where to place them. There are no more safe places in Aleppo anymore. May the Lord have mercy on us and bless us with His Peace...

"Father Eduardo (another brother who lives with Fr Firas) and I are praying for the deceased and for all the innocent people who are victims of the hateful conflict in Syria... we would like you to join our prayer, so that instead of hatred, peace and love will reign once more!"

Source: Fides/Franciscans

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