02/12/2024, Author: Michael Kelly

Following a heartfelt plea from a missionary and ACN’s project partner in Aleppo, the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need calls on all people of faith to unite in prayer for the safety and peace of this war-torn region.

The Irishwoman who heads a global charity that supports hard-pressed Christian communities has appealed for prayers for Syria, where extremist groups have launched a surprise offensive.

Regina Lynch, Executive President of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), has urged prayers for a “swift end to the violence”.

In a voice message shared with ACN, Fr Hugo Alaniz IVE, an Argentine missionary in Aleppo, described the dire situation currently unfolding around the city, where extremist groups have launched a surprise offensive.

Several villages have been seized, and vital routes, including the road between Aleppo and the capital Damascus, have been cut off. “The situation is very tense; they [the Islamists] are less than ten kilometres away. There are intense clashes with many dead and injured. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and fear is widespread,” he said.

The people of Syria, who have endured more than ten years of devastating war, are now facing renewed insecurity. The missionary highlighted the immense fear gripping the local population as violence edges closer to their communities, while explosions can be heard in the background. “There is a lot of fear, a lot of fear,” he emphasised, reflecting the deep anxiety felt by many in the region.

According to ACN sources, parts of northwest and southwest Aleppo are being particularly affected by recent attacks, as Islamist groups appear to be trying to regain control of the areas which they lost to regular Syrian forces four years ago. Several missiles have struck this area, where the university is located, injuring residents and prompting an exodus, particularly of young people, to other parts of the city.

However, Fr Hugo emphasised the deep faith among the small Christian community. “The people here have great trust in God’s help, and the power of prayer. We ask for prayers for this situation. Hopefully, it will pass quickly and not cause more harm,” the missionary said.

Despite the challenges, local religious communities continue to provide support to the faithful and young residents in their care, even as the conflict threatens their safety.

In response to this urgent call, ACN invites all benefactors and people of goodwill to join in prayer for Aleppo and its surrounding communities. “Let us pray for peace, the protection of the vulnerable, and a swift end to the violence that has brought so much suffering to a nation already ravaged by over a decade of conflict,” Mrs Lynch said.