Sister Nadia and Father Brian speak with the monks about Christians in Iraq January 28, 2015

The monks of Mepkin Abbey were very fortunate to have Sister Nadia of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena of Mosul (part of the Dominican Family) with us on retreat. Sister is a native of Iraq and has just completed studies as a nurse practitioner at Barry University in Miami. While with us on retreat – which was a break before going to Michigan to intern and practice what she studied before returning to her country – Sister Nadia accepted the abbot’s invitation to speak with the community about the current reality of life in Iraq and that part of the world for Christians. Shortly after Sr. Nadia arrived for retreat, Father Brian Pierce, O.P. came to Mepkin to continue work writing a new book. Having recently returned from Iraq and Syria to visit the refugee camps there with Father Timothy Radcliffe, O.P. (former Master General of the Dominican Order), Father Brian joined Sister Nadia to speak with the community in chapter and inform us of what he and Father Timothy found on their trip. Each speaker’s words were very enlightening and gave us insight into the courage of those living in most challenging circumstances as they profess their belief in Jesus. It heightened our awareness of the complexity of what we are learning about from various news sources. And it informed our prayer as we daily remember all those who are suffering and longing for peace and security to be restored.

Sister Nadia spoke in general of the history of her country and the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims for many years. So many of the services provided by her sisters in education and health care benefit the entire population of the region – both Christians and Muslims. Drawing a map she explained what has happened in the regions of her country and for countries along the borders in recent years as religious fanaticism has changed the relationships of neighbors who used to be very comfortable with each other. For Sr. Nadia’s own family, in recent months word came that they had two hours to flee before ISIS troops would enter their neighborhood. In fear and anxiety they left with only the clothing on their backs and things they could carry. All the Christians travelled to the camps for the displaced. Sadly neighbors once considered friends were calling them on their cell phones to say: “We are now living in your house. Remember your jewelry, we have it now.” … and the like. You may find more information and photographs on the internet.

Father Brian described the warm welcome he and Father Timothy received as they visited various schools and efforts under the auspices of the Dominicans. Acknowledging at the same time that there is fear and the disquiet because of the threat of violence at any time.