Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By CNA Daily News - Middle East - Africa (Reporter)
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Iraqi priest recounts night of exodus, ISIS invasion a decade later

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


Father Martin Banni in front of St. Barbara’s Shrine carrying the Eucharist on Liberation Day in 2016. / Credit: Photo courtesy of Father Martin Banni

ACI MENA, Aug 7, 2024 / 11:21 am (CNA).

Ten years have passed since the night that changed everything for the residents of Karamlesh, a small town in northern Iraq. For Father Martin Banni, pastor of St. Korkis Chaldean Church, the memories of that traumatic day remain vivid.

Banni revisited the events of Aug. 6, 2014, in a recent interview with ACI Mena, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner. Residents of Karamlesh, a town in the Nineveh Valley, on that day woke to the sound of bombardment and tragic news: a woman and two children had been killed in Qaraqosh. Panic spread as people fled, seeking safety from an unknown threat.

“Amid growing fear and the sound of exchanges between security forces and ISIS fighters, we took refuge in the church,” Banni recounted. “We held prayers for the feast of the Transfiguration and celebrated Mass, even as ISIS was just 20 minutes away.”

“At that time, I was with Bishop Boulos Thabet, then pastor of the Karamlesh church,” Banni continued. “I was still a seminarian, preparing for the priesthood. As we moved through town trying to reassure people, we received alarming news at 10 p.m.: ISIS had captured Tel Keppe, the first Christian village to fall. Tel Keppe, about eight miles northeast of Mosul in the Nineveh Governorate, marked a significant advance for the militants. Caught between uncertainty and caution, Church authorities ordered an evacuation to Erbil. Fear gripped the community as ISIS drew nearer and security forces withdrew, leaving us exposed to the terrorist threat,” he added.

“We rang the church bells as a warning,” Banni continued. “We sent people to alert the sick and elderly that church vehicles would transport them. Under gunfire, we gathered important church documents and sacred vessels, preparing to leave.”

For Banni, the night holds deep significance. “The Body of Christ became my companion in two of life’s most crucial moments,” he said. 

“God blessed me with the gift of taking the Eucharist from our church that night. It remained with us throughout our exodus, safe from desecration by ISIS.”

Then, upon Karamlesh’s liberation, Banni was the first to return with the Eucharist. 

“I also thank God for being the first one to bring the Most Holy Body to my town. This sacrament accompanied me through exodus and return,” he said. “I walked through town, blessing its churches, homes, and people with the Most Holy Body.”

The priest sees divine providence in these events. 

“The Eucharist amplified my hope of return,” he stated. “God’s hand sustained us through our trials, just as it protected the Israelites following Moses across the Red Sea. This blessing fortified our resolve to rebuild, knowing God’s protection surrounds us.”

Banni called for prayers for Iraq’s Christians. He asserted that persecution has only strengthened the Church’s resolve and the faith of its members. Echoing Pope Francis’ words from a recent visit, he affirmed: “The Church of Iraq is truly alive, and Christ lives among his people, working miracles through them.”

This article was first published by ACI Mena, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.


Source: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/258559/iraqi-priest-recounts-night-of-exodus-isis-invasion-a-decade-later


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.