Present at WYD in Spirit

As the World Youth Day celebrations continue in Cologne, Germany, I read these stories (via Open Book) about youth, unable to attend WYD because of visa requirements and security issues, who held gatherings in their own country to show their unity in Christ with those in Germany. The country? Iraq.

Letter from Mosul: the WYD afar from Cologne, near to the Pope's heart - a letter from a Chaldean priest relating how about 400 people from three parishes in Mosul gathered "to be united spiritually" with the WYD attendees. Archbishopp Paul Faraj Rahho, in his homily, urged the Iraqi youth to "never feel ashamed of the Cross of the Lord, and accepting the challenges of their faith in a time of trial when their faith is tested."

And in Baghdad, 1,000+ Catholic youth (along with some Orthodox youth) asked for Pope Benedict's blessing "at this most difficult time for our country." According to the Vatican, the Holy Father heard the message "with joy and commotion." The Iraqi youth also sent greetings those gathered in Cologne.

It's heartening news. Christ truly knows no boundaries. I just hope, with the news out of Iraq today that some wording of their constitution is being changed to make Islam "the" foundation of Iraqi law rather than "a" source, one among many, that these brave youth will be able to continue to openly declare their faith in Christ.