Catholic priest felt ‘born again’ during Islamic State captivity
By Mark Ellis, Special to ASSIST News Service
SYRIA (ANS - October 28, 2015)
-- He was one of 250 Christians captured by Islamic State militants in
Syria. Miraculously, with the help of a Muslim friend he managed to
escape their clutches and regain his freedom October 11th. Recently, he
described his captivity and the remarkable resolve of his fellow
Christian captives.
“Even
while being deported, with my hands tied behind my back, I surprisingly
found myself repeating again and again: I am going towards freedom,”
Father Jacques Murad told Arab Christian broadcaster Noursat TV.
Before
his abduction on May 21st, Fr Jacques belonged to a monastic community
on the outskirts of Al Qaryatayn. His community was founded by the
Italian Jesuit Paolo Dall’Oglio, from Rome, who disappeared in 2013 from
Raqqa, Syria, which became a stronghold of ‘Islamic State’ jihadists,
according to Agenzia Fides, the information service of the Pontifical
Mission Societies.
After
his capture, Islamic State militants took Fr Jacques to the city of
Palmyra, where he was placed in a dorm that included 250 other
Christians, also captured from the same area.
“The
Christians were often questioned about their faith and about the
Christian doctrine, and they did not convert to Islam despite much
pressure,” he recounted.
“Almost
every day there was someone who came to my prison and asked me ‘what
are you?’ I would answer: ‘I’m a Nazarene, in other words, a Christian.’
“So
you’re an infidel!” the Islamic State militant shouted. “Since you’re a
Christian, if you don’t convert we’ll slit your throat with a knife.”
The
excruciating pressures related to his abduction and captivity brought
an unexpected result. “This experience of trial strengthened the faith
of everyone including my faith as a priest. It is as if I have been born
again,” he declared.
Phoro caption: Father Jacques Murad.
About the writer: Mark Ellis is senior correspondent for the ASSIST News service and also the founder of www.Godreports.com,
a website that shares stories, testimonies and videos from the church
aorund the world to build interest and involvement in world missions.
** You may republish this or any of our ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)
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