For Persecuted Christians in the Middle East, a Vermont Priest Makes a Difference

Father Kiely appearing on EWTN's "The World Over" with Raymond Arroyo
Father Kiely appearing on EWTN's "The World Over" with Raymond Arroyo (photo: EWTN)

Amid the cascade of crises across the world in 2014, it was all too easy to forget the desperate plight of persecuted Christians in the Middle East. So as we ponder our New Year's resolutions for 2015, let's commit to offer prayers and material support for our sisters and brothers who have fled their homes and taken up residence in monasteries and schools, homes and camps in Kurdistan, and in Turkey, LebanonJordan, and Egypt.

If that suggestion seems like a tall order, then look to Father Benedict Kiely, a priest in the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont, who recently eestablished a website -- Nasarean.org -- to raise funds and awareness about the needs of Christians in Iraq and Syria. As I noted in a blog post last month, the pastor decided to act after he was  "troubled by the fall of Mosul, Iraq's second largest city and a Christian stronghold, to ISIS extremists. ISIS fighters painted the homes and businesses of Christians with the Arabic letter 'N,' for 'Nasarean,' a contemptuous way of referring to Christians. The 'N' marked inhabitants for forced conversion, persecution or death."

So Father Kiely ordered up lapel pins and other products with the Arabic letter  "N," to spread the word about the needs of Christians amid ISIS' violent campaign of religious cleansing, and to attract donations for Aid to the Church in Need, an international Catholic organization with a solid track record of helping the Church in the region.  

Today I contacted the Vermont priest to get an update, and he had some promising news: Nasarean.org has, in the space of three months, shipped out more than 16,000 items - donated $20,000 to Aid to the Church in Need - matched with a further donation of $10,000.

Look at Father Kiely's work and remember that the vast problems darkening our world need not leave us paralyzed.  There is always something we can do. 

Last month, Father Kiely joined Nina Shea, a leading religious freedom adovcate at the Hudson Institute, on EWTN's World Over. During the show, Raymond Arroyo, the host, announced that the 'Person of the Year 2014' would be Persecuted Christians in the Middle East.  Check it out here. Father Kiely speaks with Raymond toward the end of the annual Christmas show.

For those who want to learn more about ISIS' campaign against Christians, read Nina Shea's update at National Review here.

This week, Kathryn Lopez posted a deeply moving interview with the niece of an Iraqi nun who was kidnapped by ISIS, while caring for a group of orphans. You can read the interview here.

National Georgraphic offers a stirring portrait of an ancient Turkish church that now serves as a refuge for Christians on the run. 

Finally, Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphaël I Sako of Babylon implores us not to forget our brothers and sisters in the Middle East in his 2014 Christmas homily: “They are in need to be reassured that they are not alone and abandoned or forgotten,” he stated. “Therefore, I kindly ask you to pray for them so that they keep their courage, hope and trust in God, their Father."

Thank you, Father Kiely, for showing that each of us can make a difference and reach out to Christians facing a dark and uncertain New Year. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." (John 1:5)