SW News: The Church in Iraq is rejoicing over the First Holy Communion of 172 children in the formerly ISIS-controlled city of Qaraqosh. The ceremony took place on Friday, June 3.

The news was shared on Twitter by Father Karam Shamasha, a Chaldean priest. “172 of our children, 99 boys and 73 girls, received the first Holy Communion in Baghdida, Qaraqosh,” the priest said on Twitter, adding that “The region that was heavily attacked by Isis militants a few years ago to exterminate Christians, scream out loud today: Our Faith and our Cross have won."

From August 2014 to October 2016 the city was under ISIS occupation. Many Christians were forced to flee the city during this period, though some of the families have returned following the defeat of the terrorist organization.

Rebuilding efforts have been going on in Qaraqosh with the help of the global community. Pope Francis visited the city to meet the faithful during his Apostolic Journey to the Middle Eastern country in March 2021.