We’ve already posted about our prioress who is working to help Dominican Sisters in Iraq. Now, from half a world away, here’s a way that we can all join in solidarity with our Sisters and Brothers who are persecuted.
On the night of August 6, 2014, Daesch (ISIS) swept across the Nineveh Plain of northern Iraq causing hundreds of thousands to flee to relative safety in the Kurdish area. Our own Dominican Family was included in this exodus. Since then they have not only had to deal with the trauma of this unfolding event, but also have come to the physical and spiritual aid of the many internally displaced persons with whom they live. The Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) and other agencies have witnessed the many ways our Dominican sisters and brother assist those who would otherwise lose hope.
May this novena keep us mindful of all that continues to unfold in the lives of our Dominican Family in Iraq and encourage our own work to build a peaceful world.
PRAYER:
In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, when we also celebrate 800 years for Order of Preachers, open our hearts, Merciful God, to the needs of our Dominican Family in Iraq. Help us to be vigilant in our care and purpose on their behalf. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Order of Novena:
DAILY INTENTION & SCRIPTURE FOR REFLECTION (see below for each day*)
FIVE MINUTES OF CONTEMPLATIVE SILENCE
CLOSE WITH DOXOLOGY
July 29: For children and youth
Reflection: I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God ( John 11:27)
July 30: For parents and elders
Reflection: Let your saving help, O God, protect me. (Psalm 69:30b)
July 31: For CNEWA and all the agencies providing care and services
Reflection: Here is one who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill. (Ecclesiates 2:21a)
August 1: For Refugees throughout the Middle East
Reflection: The prophet who prophesies peace is recognized as truly sent by the LORD(Jeremiah 28:9)
August 2: For Iraqi Dominican Friars and all Iraqi clergy in exile
Reflection: Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)
August 3: For Dominican Sisters of St Catherine of Siena, Iraq
Reflection: The LORD has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel. (Jeremiah 31:7)
August 4: For Presentation Dominican Sisters in Iraq
Reflection: Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. (Ps 51:14)
August 5: For Iraqi Lay Dominicans
Reflection: See, upon the mountains there advances the bearer of good news, announcing peace! (Nahum 2:1)
August 6: For all who suffer the trauma of these past years
On the 2nd Anniversary of the exodus of the Nineveh Plain Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Reflection: Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” (Lk 9:35)
*Each scripture quote for reflection is from the readings of the day for the liturgy in the Latin Rite.
July 29: For children and youth
Reflection: I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God ( John 11:27)
July 30: For parents and elders
Reflection: Let your saving help, O God, protect me. (Psalm 69:30b)
July 31: For CNEWA and all the agencies providing care and services
Reflection: Here is one who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill. (Ecclesiates 2:21a)
August 1: For Refugees throughout the Middle East
Reflection: The prophet who prophesies peace is recognized as truly sent by the LORD(Jeremiah 28:9)
August 2: For Iraqi Dominican Friars and all Iraqi clergy in exile
Reflection: Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)
August 3: For Dominican Sisters of St Catherine of Siena, Iraq
Reflection: The LORD has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel. (Jeremiah 31:7)
August 4: For Presentation Dominican Sisters in Iraq
Reflection: Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. (Ps 51:14)
August 5: For Iraqi Lay Dominicans
Reflection: See, upon the mountains there advances the bearer of good news, announcing peace! (Nahum 2:1)
August 6: For all who suffer the trauma of these past years
On the 2nd Anniversary of the exodus of the Nineveh Plain Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Reflection: Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” (Lk 9:35)
*Each scripture quote for reflection is from the readings of the day for the liturgy in the Latin Rite.
