When I walk the streets, I feel attacked by the poverty – by the sight of sick, tired, desperate people with no hope for the future, says Bishop Antoine Audo SJ, the Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo and Caritas Syria President. It is desperately cold this winter, with no heating or electricity across the city. Every evening it gets dark early. Here in my bishopric, we light a stove, using chairs for firewood, chopping up and burning one per night. When I go to bed, it is often so cold that I struggle to sleep. But even as I lie shivering under my blankets, I remember how lucky I am compared to my brothers and sisters who have nowhere safe to rest As President of Caritas Syria, I organise emergency aid for tens of thousands of people of all faiths, delivering food, healthcare and shelter. We have centres across the country where people come to receive supplies, and our volunteers also do outreach visits to families who are at risk. What gives me hope this Christmas? The compassion of people who take care of each other. The small signs of humanity as people share what little they have. The solidarity of my brothers and sisters around the world. Most of all, what gives me hope is my faith. I say prayers in the morning, and read the Word of God, and it gives me the conviction that we can carry on. Photo of a Syrian baby in a refugee camp in Lebanon by Matthieu Alexandre/Caritas
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 11:52:45 +0000
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