Pope speaks of God's mercy & blesses the work of ACN

In his address Pope Francis, in summary, asked this morning "How can we say that the Church is holy, when it is made up of sinners...myself included?" He then spoke of God's overwhelming love and mercy - "We are all welcome - even the greatest sinner - as God's mercy is so great."    

The Holy Father then welcomed the international pilgrims of Aid to the Church  in Need. Pope Francis spoke of the work of ACN where the Church suffers oppression, discrimination and persecution. He invoked his blessing on the work and benefactors of Aid to the Church in Need and encouraged us to continue this work. 

In thanks & prayer

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Pope Francis in St Peter's Square 02 10 13

Photograph of Pope Francis in St Peter's Square.

Prayer pledges letter from Aid to the Church in Need UK presented just afterwards.

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Pope Francis 02 10 13

Pope Francis has arrived in St Peter's Square. More than 600 ACN friends & benefactors have been welcomed in general announcement. We are here in prayer and pilgrimage -  united with the suffering and needy Body of Christ around the world. Please join with us in prayer & charity for  all the persecuted, oppressed & those fleeing violence and oppression.

A pledge of thousands of prayers is being presented by ACN

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Pilgrimage of prayer

More than 500 benefactors & friends of Aid to the Church in Need are travelling this week (1st-5^th October) to Rome, from around the world, to pray for suffering Christians and dedicate the work anew in a special anniversary year. Pilgrims are carrying with them their prayers and intentions, especially for the suffering peoples of the Middle East and for all Christian communities enduring attacks and oppression in so many parts of the world – such as Pakistan, Nigeria and the Central African Republic.

 

On 2 October, Pope Francis will welcome the participants in a General Audience. Masses and meetings with Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and with Mons. Hon Tai-Fai Savio, Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, are also planned.

 

This special event celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth year of Father Werenfried van Straaten, founder of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). In 2012 Pope Benedict XVI granted the charity the status of a Pontifical Foundation.

 

Pilgrims from seventeen national offices will gather in prayer, for talks and at Masses as the charity consecrates the work anew under Our Lady.

 

As Fr Werenfried once wrote of the work of Aid to the Church in Need for persecuted, suffering and poor Christians:

 

“Our Work gives you the possibility of taking part in the sufferings of Jesus. Across every frontier, we take something that belongs to you – a part of your heart, a cloth to dry their tears – to those countries where the Master is again making his Way of the Cross, where he hangs on the Calvaries of this century. Through us, you are able to lighten his Way of the Cross like Veronica or Simon of Cyrene, and stand at the foot of his Cross like Mary or John.  Nothing is more precious than to console our abandoned Jesus, present in his persecuted brothers and sisters.”

 

United in prayer and thanks -

 

Neville
 
Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK
 

 

Egypt - hope and prayers

As celebrations erupted in Tahrir Square, Cairo, last night there was hope amongst Christians and seemingly most Egyptians that a positive change will now come about. These hopes were reflected when I was speaking to Bishop Joannes Zakaria in Luxor yesterday afternoon - he said; "It will take a long time, but I hope we will now see positive changes. The use of religion here in politics has been like in your Middle Ages - it took you a long time to develop your democratic system."  

 

“We are a missionary Church, laying down the rocks for the future, for our people. It is the work of the Holy Spirit,” said Bishop Joannes Zakaria. He is certainly trusting in God, building for the poor and for their future. He added: “I trust in God... and your prayers and help. We pray for you!”

At this critical time - reports of some attacks on churches in the regions have come in overnight - please continue in prayer for peace in the Middle East, for Christians and all peoples.

 

Thank you. Deo Gratias.

 

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

 

Pray for the people of Egypt

In Luxor last night a military helicopter flew overhead - I heard local Egyptians shout "Sisi! Sisi!" - the name of the head of the military, welcoming the intervention. Protestors were gathering on a hot evening.  Pro and anti-Morsi groups shouted their way past the residence of Bishop Joannes Zakaria, the Coptic Catholic Bishop of Luxor.  Later, near the centre of Luxor, I saw  men fetching clubs from a mosque to go to fight,  bricks lying in the road and crowds gathering.  Police were trying to intervene - the flashing lights on their vehicles could be seen at the end of one street - and then ambulances could be heard as the injured were attended to. Local media have confirmed some shooting took place, but as yet there is no figure for casualties. 

Sadly, this was the scene in much of Egypt as the deadline for military intervention comes later today at 5pm, Tuesday 3rd June. The will of the majority is for change - as the Tamaroud petition of more than 22 million showed and as the huge numbers of anti-Morsi protesters witnessed. Yet the problem is that the fanatical Muslim Brotherhood has been pushed into a corner - and President Morsi upped the temperature further last night in a rallying call to his supporters saying that he would be prepared to die.

As Bishop Joannes Zakaria switched off all lights early last night and bolted the doors, I asked him if he had a contingent plan. "If people come to my door, I answer. I am here to greet all and to speak with them. I am prepared!"

On the Feast of St Thomas, let us join in this same faith - and pray for all our Egyptian brothers and sisters.  

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Luxor Wednesday July 3rd 2013

Egypt - crisis & hope

I passed the stage this morning where protests will continue tonight. Alongside there is anti-Morsi graffiti on the governate building where the police are stationed. And speaking to people - Muslims & Christians - there is a feeling and expectation that President Morsi must go. The queues for fuel, with more and more closed garages, add to the sense that this cannot continue.

"We have seen and experienced what the Muslim Brotherhood are like and we don't want them here in Egypt," was a statement to me this morning. Another Egyptian added:   "It is good you are here at this time of revolution - you can tell people what it is like for us!'            

Whatever happens over the next days and weeks, the faith and hope of our fellow Christians here in Egypt can only encourage us to help them through this time of crisis. One priest, Fr Francis, told me: "We endure very difficult times in Egypt now because of Islamic fundamentalists. Many people find it difficult to get essentials for life and many are very poor. Catechism and teaching children peace is important. Please remember us in prayer and inform others so that they understand how difficult and desperate it is for many Christians here and in the Middle East. We need your compassion. We pray for all at ACN and all our friends in Christ."                


Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Egypt 02 07 13

Egypt at turning point?

Many protests in Egypt continue and are likely to pick up pace again later today and in to tomorrow. Sadly, there have been outbreaks of violence and more fatalities. Yet,  there is a sense here that Egypt may be at a turning point.

Speaking on the streets to people this morning I heard the same comments that it was time to move on - we are suffering too much and that we do not want fundamentalists.

One local Egyptian, Amil, told me: " After every revolution there is pollution! It is good that we have seen what the Muslim Brotherhood is like - now we can move on. Things will get better, but there will be some blood shed."

Meeting Coptic priests I felt the sense of solidarity with their people - many who are poor or unemployed. Hundreds of children go to 'Sunday Schools' at least twice a week - "they feel this is their home" Fr Athanasius told me at St George's Church, Luxor city, where ACN has helped.

The Church is offering the hope of the Gospel to all those in need. As Bishop Joannes Zakaria of Luxor (photo attached) told me: "We are a missionary Church, laying down rocks for the future, for our people..building hope."

Please continue in prayer for the Christians and all the peoples of Egypt at this critical time. Thank you for your solidarity and prayers.        


Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Egypt, 1st July 2013. 

Egypt hots up

In the centre of Asyut (Assiut) pro and anti-Morsi demonstrations are taking place this evening, as in many other cities throughout Egypt. The protesters are high spirited, but the gatherings are  peaceful.

Bishop Kyrillos William of Assiut exoressed his deep thanks for all the prayers and the aid given by ACN. 'I know I can count on your continuing  support and help for our work and mission for our people. Thank you and may God bless you," he said as I left Asyut to travel by train to Luxor.    

With gratitude and in prayer and solidarity with those in need whom we serve - here in Egypt and throughout the world.

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Upper Egypt
Sunday 30th June 2013

Photo of Abeder, nr Asyut

Photo of Abeder, at baptism of Shenouda, near Asyut, Sunday 30th June 2013.  

30th June

The 30th June is seeing huge rallies taking place across Egypt. Tahrir square in Cairo already has hundreds of thousands gathered protesting against President Morsi, whilst there are large crowds assembling in other major cities. I was told this morning by one young Egyptian that it is all building up to 5 o'clock when even more people will come out to join protests. One pro-Morsi gathering is being featured on national TV, but the numbers on the streets seem to reflect the huge figure of more than 22million who are said to have signed the Tamaroud 'rebellion' petition for Morsi to "go out" and step down .

Millions of people want a new beginning and fear what will happen if President Morsi stays.

At a long Catholic Coptic Liturgy this morning I witnessed the faith and hope of the large Christian community. There are up to 10 million Christians in Egypt - mainly Orthodox Copts, but also 200,000 Catholic Copts. A baby boy Shenouda was  baptised with his proud father Karam & mother Nosa bringing their child before God, relying on his grace. The cousins of Shenouda, living in the same village near Asyut, gathered round the font - and the photo (attached) of the little boy Abeder holding the candle at the font illustrates the hope of our brothers & sisters here,  in north Africa and the Middle East.     

Please pray and help keep the light of Christ alive. 

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Asyut, Upper Egypt
30th June 2013

Egypt update Saturday 29th June

Some people in Egypt are talking about the possibility of another revolution + Tamaroud ('Rebellion') has just claimed over 22 million signatories in the petition for President Morsi to step down. However, there is another important story at a local level.

In many parishes and villages in Upper Egypt there is an amazing witness  of Christ's love for all. Earlier today I visited  villages near Assiut and met with priests and sisters working with and for everyone. One priest - call him Fr J -  was hugged and greeted by a Salafist in his village. Fr J also has many Muslims come to his church on feast days of Our Lady -  "for they love Mary" he told me. Fr J is invited to  Muslim funerals and weddings. Elsewhere I met Sisters who visit the poor, enable children who are working in the fields to go to kindergarten and are respected and loved by Muslim villagers.

This is the  Gospel of love - which reaches everyone through care for the poor, the vulnerable and those in need.

Sister B said: "We are always in need of prayer. Christians abroad should please always remember and think of Christians in the Middle East."

The mission of the Church is alive at the level of the people and their witness challenges and encourages us. As Bishop Kyrillos William of Assiut said: "It is our mission to show love for God and for the people of our country, Egypt."

Please remember all the people of Egypt and Christians in the Middle East in your prayers this Sunday.


Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need

Assiut, Upper Egypt

Prayers for peace + hope in Egypt

In Cairo the tension increased again last night, as protests and counter protests continued - building to an even bigger anti-Morsi protest in Tahrir Square this Sunday. News channels used split screens to show demonstrations from around the country- including from Alexandria where four people were killed. This Saturday morning 29th June there are reports of trouble and  some deaths in Port Said.

In Assiut there have been some small demonstrations, but at the Liturgy this morning Bishop Kyrillos William, the Coptic Catholic Bishop (see photo) prayed for peace. One Christian in Assiut commented - "We have had a Friday like Good Friday - now we hope for Easter and our resurrection."      

Bishop Kyrillos thanked his friends at ACN for their solidarity  and support, but added;
"Please join in prayer for us Christians and for all Egyptians at this critical time."  

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Egypt update

As evening draws in across a hot Cairo, the heat of protest continues. In Tahrir Square anti Morsi protesters are out in their thousands. Whilst elsewhere in Nasr City pro-Morsi people have been bused in to rally for the President. This is just the build up.

Priests and people ask that we join them in prayer for peace and social justice, with religious freedom and conscience respected.

One young Catholic Copt in Zaytoun just told me: "I love God. I love my country of Egypt. Please be strong with us in faith and hope."   

Neville

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need

Photo from Cairo 28 06 13

Photo of flag bearer - anti-Morsi, pro-Egypt - 28 06 13


Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need

Cairo, Egypt

In Cairo this Friday morning, 28th June, and everyone is agreeing that it will get even hotter...politically this weekend. It is one year since the election of President Morsi and discontent has spread. Now 20 million are said to have signed a petition for Morsi to go. Long queues for petrol are to be seen and there were many hundreds of thousands protesting on the streets last night. Fr Rafic the press spokesman for the Coptic Catholic Patriarch told me last night that 2 to 3 million were already on the streets across all the governates of Egypt and protests will build further until the actual anniversary of Morsi's election on Sunday. Barricades and road blocks have been put up in many strategic places, with the army said to be ready to intervene if necessary.

Speaking to young Copts I was told how discrimination and oppression has increased - from colleges to villages. Sectarian incidents and attacks across the country have increased to become almost daily events - for Christians and for others.  Ramy told me that he thought that this protest would be " bigger than the 25th revolution" - referring to the 25th January 2011 when President Mubarak was overthrown.

The Coptic Catholic Patriarch Ibrahim Sidrak appealed for prayers for social justice, religious freedom and rights...and asked also for prayers for peace and that no one be badly injured or killed this weekend.

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need UK

Lebanon update

Up in the mountains of Lebanon, in the Qadisha Valley, prayers for peace have been offered this Sunday. Sporadic violence flares up on the borders of Lebanon, close to Syria, and in protests and areas associated with the war in Syria. Here though, prayers are offered from an area of peace and beauty  - which is a stronghold  of Maronite Catholic faith.

Mass was celebrated up at the birth place of St Charbel, in Bqaa Kafra, at 1750m.  Aid to the Church in Need pilgrims prayed for peace in the Middle East and for all those suffering at this time - particularly the Syrian people. Most estimates now say there are well over 1 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon alone.

The biggest needs are for help for refugees, peace in this region and for the Christian presence to be sustained - all with prayer and compassion.

Please join us and the people here in prayer.

Neville Kyrke-Smith
National Director
Aid to the Church in Need

Monastery of St Anthony of Qozhaya, Qadisha Valley, Lebanon

ACN report from Lebanon June 2013

04.06.13  Beirut, Lebanon

On the first full day of Aid to the Church in Need UK's pilgrimage to Lebanon, the 36 members of the group visited the centre of Beirut. We visited churches, mosques and the Rafik Hariri Tomb on Martyrs' Square - becoming aware of the cultural mix and painful recent history of Lebanese life. This "Lebanese mosaic" is framed by the surrounding violence of Syria and tensions in the wider Middle East. Meeting Fr Jean-Marc, a Maronite priest in Beirut, we heard of the increased anxiety in Lebanon. Time and again the Lebanese have said that they are tired of conflict and violence - and do not want to be drawn into the Syrian civil war by factions. 

Please join us and Christians here in prayer for peace in the Middle East. Our Lady of Lebanon pray for us.