Since late 2014, the FPSC is committed to those Christian families who have been forced to flee their homes, and are welcomed in the Iraqi capital, fleeing the state of terror imposed by the Islamic state. In their flight, often hasty, these families have lost everything, and their only desire is to return home.
Initially, the aim of the FPSC was aimed at raising funds to cover the basic needs and to lighten the situation of families housed in an old school next to the Church of Ntra. Sra. del Rosario, in the Shiite district of Karrada. Recently these families have been relocated to the Virgin Mary refugee camp, located in the Shiite neighborhood Zayounah owned by Assyrian Christian party.
124 caravans from the 142 existing in the camp are occupied by 130 Christian families, mostly Catholics of Chaldean and Syrian rite though there are also Syrian Orthodox and Assyrian Church of the East. Each caravan, inhabited by one or more families, has a couple of rooms, kitchen and bathroom. The rest of the caravans are common areas, such as an ecumenical church, to be used by the various rites, a school, a clinic, etc.
Jumana Trad, President of the FPSC, was able to visit the camp in order to identify the most pressing needs, and to ensure effective aid from the Foundation.
Thus, last October 7, the President of the FPSC together with her husband, Ambassador of Spain in Iraq, José María Ferre, and Bishop George of the Apostolic Nunciature, had the opportunity to know in depth the refugee camp, from the hand of the camp director, father Martin.
On another visit, the President of the FPSC was accompanied by Sister Albertine, Superior of the Convent of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baghdad. Since the families moved to the camp, the sisters of this congregation continue helping them, and have installed a truck-trailer donated by the Order of Malta in 2004, as an outpatient department to provide health care. The caravan is being set up to provide medical and health care, supported by volunteer doctors and in order to distribute drugs for free.
The refugee camp needs are many, and the help of the FPSC, from private donations, and in coordination with the heads of the camp, aims to supply basic necessities for the rural population; buy medicines to provide the outpatient department; and cover other needs as they arise.
More information: “Iraq: a shout of encouragement”.