A delegation from the Vatican joins Arba’in mourning procession

Rasa - A delegation of Roman Catholic priests from the Vatican City has joined the Arba’in mourning procession en route to Karbala.

News ID: 554

Date: 20 December 2013 - 06:46

Rasa News Agency reports - On December 15, Monsignor Libero Andriata, a delegate from the Vatican City, briefly joined a group of pilgrims in the Iraqi city of Nasiriyah who are walking to the holy city of Karbala to participate in the marking of the Arba’in holiday. Arba’in marks the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, his companions and family in Karbala in 61 AD.

The head of the Vatican-related pilgrimage agency headed the delegation, which participated in the march towards Karbala for about one kilometre. A delegation of Iraqi Christian clerics also participated alongside the millions of Shi’a pilgrims.

The Vatican delegation also visited the historic city of Ur in the province of Dhi Qar. While there, they participated in a special ceremony. Ur is mentioned in the Bible as the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham.

“It is beautiful that our visit to the historical city of Ur coincides with the Arba’in holiday being commemorated by the Muslims of Iraq,” Monsigor Andriata stated. “We noticed the procession on foot waling to Karbala and joined them briefly,” he added.

During the last few days, Shi’ite pilgrims have started walking to the holy city of Karbala from various cities in Iraq to mourn the Arba’in of Imam Husayn.

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