The map shows the ‘no flight zone’ over the Middle East and the planes diverted around it. Photo: Screenshot from https://www.flightradar24.com/

Columban missionary Fr Patrick experienced the crisis from the sky, as his journey to Rome intersected directly with the outbreak of hostilities between Israel, the United States, and Iran.

Rev Dr Patrick McInerney, the Columban Regional Director of Oceania, was travelling to Rome for his first meeting as a newly appointed Consultor to the Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims at the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. His long flight from Sydney to Dubai was uneventful, and after a short transit, he boarded his connecting flight to Rome. Shortly after take-off, the captain delivered a stark announcement: Israel and the USA had launched attacks on Iran, and Iran was retaliating. Airspace across the region was rapidly becoming unsafe.

The aircraft immediately changed course, abandoning the direct diagonal route over the Middle East. It turned west toward Saudi Arabia and then tracked northwest to Rome, carefully avoiding what the captain described as “missile showers.”

The flight landed safely in Rome. Only later did Fr Patrick learn that Dubai Airport had been struck by missiles or drone debris roughly 24 hours after his departure. His arrival in Rome, though delayed and tense, allowed him to proceed with his mission. He will attend planned meetings at the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue in Rome in the coming days.

Reflecting on the experience, Fr Patrick noted how moments like these underline the urgent importance of dialogue between peoples and faiths. His meetings at the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue in the coming days will continue that Columban commitment to building understanding in a divided world.

Morning view of St. Peter's from the terrace of Fr Patrick's accommodation in Rome. Photo: facebook.com/patrick.mcinerney.568

The Columbans extend their heartfelt prayers and unwavering solidarity to all individuals and communities who are enduring the challenges of conflict throughout the Middle East and South Asia. In these difficult times, we stand with those affected.

Prayer for Peace in the Middle East

God of mercy and compassion, look with tenderness
upon all your children caught in conflict across the Middle East.
Protect the innocent, comfort the fearful,
and guide leaders away from violence and toward dialogue.
May your peace stronger than hatred,
deeper than fear, take root in every heart and every land.

Amen.