New Pastoral Center in Iraq is a Sign of Hope

Group photo with Bishop Azad Shaba in front of the Papa Francisco Pastoral Center in Dohuk. Photo courtesy ACN

Nine years after ISIS invaded and forced Christians to flee from Iraq, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has just helped complete a project. The large pastoral center, begun in 2019, will serve the 1,450 Catholic families estimated to live in Dohuk. Most are Chaldean, but about 1/3 are estimated to be Syriac.

The ground floor will be dedicated to activities of the diocese, including Radio Mary, a listening center, the Mother Teresa Fraternity for the Poor and Sick, archives, and even a museum. The first floor will house classrooms and the second floor will be a permanent residence for Bishop Azad Shaba and 11 priests.

After a visit to Dohuk in March 2022, ACN approved a support package that allowed the local church to go ahead with construction. The completed pastoral center was inaugurated on July 8 by Bishop Shaba, who has led the diocese since 2021.

– Churchinneed.org