New Church in Baqofa

The new Virgin Mary Church in Baqofa

By Hanan Qia

This past March 14 was a significant day for the Christian community of Baqofa, Iraq in the Nineveh Plain. Bishop Mar Thabit led the consecration ceremony of the newly built Virgin Mary Church, an effort that has taken five years. Speaking exclusively to Chaldean News, Bishop Mar Thabit expressed his gratitude towards the generous contributions from various Catholic organizations and compassionate locals, which made the construction of the church possible.

The ceremony was attended by numerous locals from the towns and villages of Alqosh diocese, including the Chaldean residents of Baqofa. The new church, a modern and spacious place of worship, symbolizes a new chapter for the community. The village has also an old church, St. George (Mar Gorgis), which has been under restoration for many years.

The consecration ceremony was a moment of joy and celebration for the residents of Baqofa, who eagerly embraced the new church as a symbol of hope and faith for generations to come. As the sun set on this historic day, the Virgin Mary Church stood tall, ready to welcome all who seek solace and communion with the divine.

The clergy — bishop, priests, and deacons — in the consecration Mass of the new church.

Young girls in traditional Chaldean attire presenting the chalice and the Holy Host to the bishop.