Over 450 boys and girls received their first holy Communion during liturgies held over the past month in various churches of the town of Qaraqosh, Iraq.
Newsdesk (18/06/2025, Gaudium Press) Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the Syriac Catholic Archeparchy of Mosul Iraq has upheld its cherished tradition of celebrating First Holy Communion for children in Qaraqosh, also known as Baghdeda, in Iraq’s Nineveh province. Over the past month, more than 450 boys and girls received the sacrament across various churches in the town, marking a significant moment of faith and resilience for the local Christian community.
In his homilies during the celebrations, Archbishop Benedictus Hanno lauded the unwavering faith of Qaraqosh’s Christians, who have faced severe trials, including forced displacement by ISIS in 2014. “When we see this radiant group receiving the body of Christ in faith, we know our families remain firm in their commitment, and our Church continues to grow and flourish,” Hanno said, according to a statement from the Syriac Catholic Archeparchy.
The archbishop emphasized the critical role of Catholic families in fostering faith among the younger generation. “When the father and mother are united in faith, the family becomes a fortified castle, capable of resisting temptation, evil, and moral deviation,” he added. Hanno described the First Communion celebrations as “a great joy for our Church and a living testimony to the renewal and perseverance of Christian faith.”
Qaraqosh, one of Iraq’s largest Christian towns, was devastated when ISIS seized the Nineveh Plain on Aug. 6, 2014, forcing thousands of Christians to flee. “They did not hesitate to give up their homes and possessions in order to preserve their faith… they are persecuted for their belief, and there is nothing more noble than holding onto one’s faith,” Hanno said in a 2021 interview with ACI MENA, the Arabic-language news partner of Catholic News Agency.
Following the liberation of Qaraqosh in 2017, many Christians have returned, determined to rebuild their churches, homes, and lives. However, the Christian population in the town has significantly declined, from approximately 60,000 before 2014 to around 30,000 today, according to local estimates. The Syriac Catholic Archeparchy’s chancery office reports that the number of Syriac Catholics alone has dropped from 55,000 to 27,000, excluding members of other Christian denominations.
The community’s resilience was highlighted during Pope Francis’ historic visit to Iraq in 2021, when he met with the faithful at Qaraqosh’s Grand Immaculate Conception Cathedral. His visit underscored the enduring spirit of Iraq’s Christians, who continue to rebuild their lives and maintain their faith despite ongoing challenges.
As the Syriac Catholic community in Qaraqosh celebrates these First Communions, the ceremonies stand as a powerful symbol of hope, faith, and determination to remain rooted in their ancestral homeland.
Raju Hasmukh with files from:
– Syriac Catholic Archeparchy of Mosul, official statement, 2025.
– ACI MENA, interview with Archbishop Benedictus Hanno, 2021.
– Catholic News Agency, “Pope Francis visits Iraq’s Qaraqosh,” March 7, 2021.
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