Vermont Priest offers 'Nazarene' bracelets to aid Iraq and Syria
Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Proceeds to Catholic organization, Aid to the Church in Need, to help suffering Christians in the region.

Father Benedict Kiely, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Stowe, Vermont and director of continuing education for clergy in the Diocese of Burlington was so concerned about his brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria that he started a website — www.nasarean.org — making available bracelets, lapel pins and zipper hooks with the Arabic letter designating “Nazarene,” which the Islamic State put on the homes of Christians to mark them for almost certain violence and harm.  The letter has become, however, a symbol of solidarity with these Christians who have been driven out of their homes.  

All proceeds from the items will go to the efforts of Aid to the Church in Need to help the Christians in the region. Says Fr. Kiely, “I decided that the best thing to do would be to have all the money we raise from this project go directly to one charity with ‘boots on the ground.’  Aid to the Church in Need is well-positioned to ensure that those in need will receive the help they need.”

To make a donation and obtain any of Fr. Kiely’s items, please click here.