Syrian Civil War Strikes Franciscan Friary

Vatican Radio News has reported that a Franciscan monastery in a Syrian village near the Turkish border was struck by a missile.  The building, which belongs to the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, was severely damaged.  Fortunately, the friar occupying the building was only slightly injured.  The report goes on to mention other experiences of the Franciscan friars in the Syrian war zone. 

Sadly, the war tragedies experienced by Middle Eastern Christians, especially in Syria and Iraq, appear to be under reported by the major news agencies.  These stories have been crowded out by the series of fresh tragedies that have been occurring in our sad, wounded world.  We, who call ourselves Franciscans, must not forget our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ; keep them in our prayers, and come to their aid.