en.news
1.1K

How A Franciscan Escaped Daesh

On July 14th, 2007 Fr Nirwan, an Iraqi Franciscan, escaped the “Islamic State” (Daesh) while on his way to visit his parents in Mosul. Coming from Jordan by taxi with other passengers, they were stopped by soldiers who turned out to be members of Daesh who had killed and replaced the servicemen at the check-point.

The passengers were brought to a nearby barrack where one Muslim passenger was stabbed to death. Then Fr Nirwan got one minute to talk into a video camera before he would be killed. He started praying and asked then Blessed Maria Alfonsina of Jerusalem (1843-1927) for help. One kidnapper grabbed his head and took out his knife.

Suddenly he paused and asked Fr Nirwan: “Who are you?” - “A religious brother.” The kidnapper replied: “Why can I not move my knife? Father, get back to you taxi!”

Picture: Abuna Nirwan, #newsIxpbybjuwy