Celebrating a Decade of Excellence: Catholic University in Erbil Prepares for 10th Anniversary – Vatican News

The Catholic University in Erbil, located in northern Iraq’s Kurdistan region, was founded in 2015 to support minority groups fleeing ISIS. Today, it plays a crucial role in promoting peace by educating students about Mesopotamia’s rich religious history.

Fr. Karam Shamasha, the university’s Provost, reflects on the university’s mission: “We want to be a light in society.” This school emerged from urgent need when Iraqi Christians were displaced in 2014. Archbishop Warda recognized that while the Church provided shelter and food, education was vital for rebuilding lives.

Initially, the university served students from various minority backgrounds, and its diversity is evident today, with around 725 students—60% Christian, 30% Muslim, and 10% Yazidi and other minorities. Fr. Shamasha emphasizes the importance of creating a community where everyone can learn and grow together.

With only about 200,000 Christians remaining in Iraq, the university is more than an academic institution. It’s a sanctuary promoting coexistence and understanding among different faiths. “Our goal is not just to educate, but to foster peace and build relationships,” explains Fr. Shamasha.

This year marks the university’s tenth anniversary. Looking back, Fr. Shamasha expresses gratitude for support from various organizations, emphasizing their aspiration to expand internationally. The university recently became a member of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, aiming to connect with global Catholic education networks.

The addition of the Department of Oriental Studies and Comparative Religion highlights the university’s focus on teaching students about their own and other religions. Fr. Shamasha believes that understanding diverse beliefs can lead to greater harmony. “We’re creating a safe place where students of all faiths can thrive,” he notes.

Interestingly, about 40% of the student body isn’t Christian, indicating growing trust in the university’s mission. This unique environment fosters a spirit of collaboration and goodwill, essential for building a better future.

On a recent visit to Rome for the Jubilee, Fr. Shamasha mentioned, “It’s a meaningful journey, connecting our struggles in Iraq with the hope embodied in this city.” He brought a group of 45 parishioners, emphasizing their shared mission of spreading hope and unity. Their journey symbolizes resilience and an ongoing commitment to faith amidst adversity.

As the Catholic University in Erbil prepares for its next decade, it stands poised to deepen its impact by providing quality education and fostering interfaith dialogue. This effort is more than an academic pursuit; it’s a vital step toward rebuilding a war-torn society.

For more about the Catholic University of Erbil’s mission and impact, you can visit Vatican News [here](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-09/catholic-university-erbil-celebrates-10-years.html) for further insights and updates.

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school & university, Iraq, eastern churches, catholic church