Dominican Superior Appeals for Prayers for Iraq

ROME, DEC. 24, 2002 (Zenit.org).- The master general of the Order of Preachers appealed for prayers this Christmas to avoid a conflict with Iraq, home to some Dominican communities.

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In his Christmas message, Father Carlos Azpiroz reports on his trips of the past year. One trip to Latin America coincided with the protests in Venezuela and in his native Argentina over economic crises.

“In the midst of these dramatic situations, the presence of so many Dominican Brothers and Sisters among the poor filled me with joy,” the superior wrote.

The monasteries “that I visited in the different continents, are like the Southern Cross or the Polar Star, which from heaven show us the contemplative roots of our preaching,” the priest said.

Father Azpiroz will spend this Christmas in Bogota, Colombia, a country torn by strife. “There is a Dominican family there that preaches peace,” he said. “That night, God willing, I will pray for each one of you during the eucharistic celebration.”

This prayer allows us to look at the future with hope, “following the teachings I received from the men and women religious in Iraq,” he added.

“We have a Dominican family in Iraq” who with their example of life are affirming that “dialogue disarms and becomes a promise of peace,” said Father Azpiroz.

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