On the anniversary of the great and devastating earthquake that occurred on February 6, a ‘Commemoration Mass’ was held in the Iskenderun Annunciation Latin Catholic Cathedral, which was destroyed in the earthquake.
At the service that started among the ruins of the church, candles were lit and prayers were said. The Commemoration Mass was led by Church Father Dariousz Dogondke.
Speaking at the beginning of the service and talking about the magnitude of the disaster, Caritas Anatolia Director Can Farhad Sadredin noted that this great disaster was overcome with love and solidarity.
Stating that this disaster brought out good things, Sadredin said, “Today is the anniversary of the devastating earthquake we experienced. Although the earthquake was a great disaster, the great hearts of people turned this disaster into something good and beautiful. It was a real reason for sharing and helping each other.”
After a minute of silence, candles were lit and prayers were said for the souls of the lives we lost and for the health of all the surviving earthquake victims.
Father Dariousz Dogondke stated that hopes should never be lost during the Memorial Service and said; “Do not fall into the sadness of those who have no hope! As we believe that Jesus Christ died and was resurrected, comfort each other with these words of hope and give strength to each other.”
After the prayers among the ruins, Father Dogondke and the members of the congregation walked towards the church hall, which had been turned into a chapel, with candles in their hands. Candles were placed on the table in front of the Virgin Mary statue inside the church. During the service, passages from the Bible were read and prayers were said together for the earthquake martyrs.
(SAT-7 Türk/İlyas Edip TERBİYELİ-İskenderun)
