Wednesday August 13

Brothers and Sisters,

All of us have been anguished by the events unfolding in the Middle East and other war-torn regions of the world over the past few weeks. Pope Francis has sent Cardinal Fernando Filoni, who visited us last year, as his special envoy to the people of Iraq. I have sent in the name of the Archdiocese a letter to His Eminence expressing our solidarity with him on this important mission on behalf of the Holy Father. The Archdiocese will also send a small contribution to the humanitarian work which the Cardinal will organise in the name of the Church.

All Christians must stand in communion with our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted and martyred for the faith, sharing their anguish even if we enjoy the religious liberty which our Constitution assures.

The Antilles Episcopal Conference has also expressed its concern about the situation in Gaza and has called for prayers on August 24 for all of these truly horrendous situations.

We should add the following intention at all Masses and services next Sunday:

“For Christians, persecuted, exiled and martyred – in the Middle East and other war-torn regions of the world – that they may know the comfort of God’s Spirit, the hope which springs from faith and effective help in their distress……”

Anyone who wishes to contribute financially to this corporal work of mercy may send donations to the RC Archbishop of Port of Spain, labelled “Vatican Iraq Mission”, for transmission to Cardinal Filoni.

+Msgr Robert Llanos

Auxiliary Bishop of Port of Spain