The Icon of the Prophet Jonah which Fr. Ben took to Iraq (and he will take with him when he speaks in parishes) was “written” (icons are not “painted” - the idea is the icon writer is guided by the hand of an Angel or Saint) by Sister Aelred OSB of Minster Abbey on the Holy Isle of Thanet in Kent, England. The Abbey was founded in the 7th Century and the Sisters have a special concern for the Persecuted Church. The photograph beside the statue of Our Lady is of the two kidnapped Syrian bishops, who visited Minster several years ago. We are most grateful to the Sisters for their prayers for our work - and the generous gift of this beautiful icon!
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