The apostolic administrator notes that red tape and the lack of legal recognition of the Church are major problems. A torchlight rally was held at 4 am in Antakya to mark the moment when the main quake struck. The main opposition party slams the government, claiming that only 30 per cent of the promised reconstruction has been completed.
Yesterday the Pontiff accepted the prelate's request for resignation, appointing auxiliary Msgr Ilgit as apostolic administrator. Satisfaction for the growth of a reality ‘of Turkish language and culture’. The earthquake of February 2023 still an open wound, need to rebuild from ‘living stones’. The testimony of refugees and displaced persons who broaden horizons on a ‘cultural, spiritual’ level.
This was emphasised by the auxiliary of the Apostolic Vicariate of Anatolia in the Mass celebrated for the feast of 29 June. The embrace between Catholic and Orthodox brothers offers "the opportunity to experience the joy of encounter". The city is still in serious difficulty, it seems "hit by heavy bombardment". And the final appeal: religious and fidei donum are needed to help keep Christianity alive in Turkey.
The murder of a headmaster at the hands of a minor sparks controversy. The shooter was a student who wanted ‘revenge’ for his expulsion. Pro-government unions (also) go on strike. Fr. Monge: education is only the ‘tip of the iceberg’. The four Akp reforms have overturned secular and scientific education. Erdogan's ‘nemesis’ and the rise of Imamoglu.
Reconstruction work lasted over a year. The entire Christian community, from Greek Melkites to the Evangelicals, gathered for a day of celebration. The service was led by Primate Youssef Absi. Caught between warrying Armenians and Azerbaijanis, the historic church of St John the Baptist in Shushi has been destroyed.
An investigation reveals the effects of an amendment passed in November affecting thousands of people. The seizures are aimed at creating 'reserve building areas', a temporary measure to speed up recovery. Citizens protest: 'We are able to repair our homes'.
The situation is still critical and Antioch a "ghost town". Caritas' contribution in guaranteeing food, accommodation, psychological support, education and schooling. Bishop Bizzeti: "It will take at least 10 years to understand whether the region will be able to recover, but I am optimistic".
In a letter, Franciscan Fr Bahjat Karakach speaks of an extremely difficult situation. There is a "prevailing atmosphere" of "frustration" and a "disturbing grip" of fear. Ensuring basic needs an 'insurmountable test'. Church assistance and community joy for the new vicar. Turkish air raids in the Kurdish-Syrian area.
A study entitled "Migrants and the earthquake" highlights the critical issues of a large portion of the population affected by the earthquake but on the margins of the aid chain. Even today there is profound uncertainty about the real number of dead. Ankara wants to repatriate at least one million out of 3.5 million. School dropout among children will eventually fuel child labour.
The 17-year-old was part of the Turkish delegation at the World Youth Day in Lisbon. The memory of the earthquake is still alive and the impact of the destruction it caused "is still huge today". The meeting with Francis gave him the strength to "be courageous" and reborn "like Jesus". For the vicar general of Anatolia, the young are “living stones with which we shall fix place the collapsed stones of the cathedral".
Some 50 young Chinese made it to the WYD, evidence of the Church's care for their country and community, despite difficulties. Yesterday the pope met a group of young Turks from the areas affected by last February’s earthquake. Today he met charity workers and volunteers, praising “concrete” love that “gets its hands dirty".
For young Turks, the meeting offers an opportunity to "build a local Church" by meeting fellow Christians from other Turkish dioceses and vicariates. A young man from Yemen will arrive with the Gulf delegation. The Lebanese will mark the third anniversary of the tragic explosion of 4 August 2020 with adoration and prayers. The auxiliary bishop of Baghdad hopes that the Mideast might host WDY one day.
Help is both material and moral to heal the wounds of the soul, already scarred by Syria’s civil war. The Franciscan friars are trying to help young people build ties with their hometowns to stop them from leaving amid painful memories and a persistent economic depression. In its latest issue, “Terrasanta” magazine spoke to several people who still want to fight for a future.
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