Suor Houda Fadoul says end of Syrian regime is liberation

Sister Houda Fadoul described the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime as a liberation for Syria. Speaking about the transition to a new government, Fadoul noted that the community at Mar Musa monastery can now openly remember and thank God for the work of Father Paolo Dall’Oglio.

Fadoul led the Mar Musa community for approximately ten years until May 2021. She recalled that the years of civil war were deeply painful for the community, which chose to remain at the monastery despite the dangers.

During the regime, the community faced strict surveillance and could not publicly mention Father Dall’Oglio or pray for him. Fadoul said that while Father Dall’Oglio tried to separate his personal support for the Syrian revolution from the life of the community, his position could have increased their risks. She added that the community continues to pursue his vocation of dialogue with Islam.