The Latin Church of Our Lady of the Hour, whose official name in Arabic is al-Saa’a, was established in 1873 as the center of the Dominican presence in Iraq.
It was also an important cultural and academic center, including the first girls’ school, and it had the first printing press in Iraq.
Marking a historic moment in ongoing restoration by UNESCO, Mass for peace was joyfully held on the main altar of Our Lady of the Hour for the first time. The occasion was graced by the presence of Fr. Gerard Timoner III, the Master of the Dominican Order, who traveled from Rome. pic.twitter.com/L51yGaLLVD
— UNESCO Iraq Office (@UNESCOIraq) January 1, 2024
Located in the old city of Mosul, a historic district that was characterized by strong relationships between various cultures and religions, such as Christians, Yazidis, Sunni and Shia Muslims as well as Arabs, Chaldeans, and Kurds, this church offered a space for dialogue fostered by the Dominican friars.
However, this delicate balance was shattered with the invasion and occupation of the city by Islamic State terrorists in the summer of 2014. The church, like much of Mosul’s historic center, was heavily damaged by the jihadists and by clashes during the Iraqi army’s offensive to retake the city.
In addition, ISIS used the church as a weapons warehouse and for torture. Its archaeological artifacts were stolen, including its famous clock, which was a gift from the wife of Emperor Napoleon III to the city’s Dominican fathers.
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