Iraqis hope

Islamic State (IS) captured the northern city of Mosul, Iraq, in 2014. Tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians left everything they had so they could run for their lives. Some went to refugee camps, some to relatives, some to go to other countries, but they have all suffered.

Three years later, about 300 returned home by bus just for the day to celebrate Easter in their homeland . . because the area has been reclaimed from IS, which left behind them their signature destruction of homes and churches.

"The town is well protected. Guards are on the rooftops around the church. The military is everywhere checking people going in and out of the village and those who are inside the church or in the vicinity."

Father Jacoub, the organizer of this effort, says "This means a lot to me . . Jesus can come into our hearts and that will comfort us, but coming to their homes is not possible for the people, so that is difficult for many. Of course, the message during the celebration this morning will be about hope, also for people to return.”