Iraqi Nun from Assyrian Church of the East Brings Healing and Faith to Boston Shelter

Mother Olga Yaqob, a nun from Iraq, has lived through four wars and now ministers in the United States, bringing comfort and faith to those in need. Her journey began in Kirkuk, where she was raised in the Assyrian Church of the East. At the age of 13, she witnessed the devastating effects of war as her country and Iran entered a prolonged conflict. Her middle school was bombed, leaving her surrounded by the dead, including classmates and teachers. By 16, she was volunteering in her church, helping to prepare bodies for burial, often unable to identify the deceased due to the extent of the destruction.

In 1980, the war left deep scars on her life and community. The Assyrian Church of the East, to which she belonged, faced significant challenges during this time. Despite the turmoil, Mother Olga found strength in her faith, which she credits for her resilience. She later moved to Boston, where she continued her spiritual journey and began ministering to women in need.

Mother Olga now lives at St. Joseph’s Convent in Quincy, Massachusetts, alongside eight Daughters of Mary of Nazareth. She ministers at the Friends of the Unborn shelter, where she has become a source of comfort for many immigrant women. Her presence is a testament to the Assyrian Church of the East’s commitment to care for the vulnerable and support those in difficult circumstances.

One notable moment of her ministry occurred at a local hospital, where she prayed with a woman in labor. The medical team asked her to leave the floor, but she remained until the baby was born safely. The mother and child, who were later discharged from the hospital, are doing well. Mother Olga attributes the safe birth to the faith of both the mother and herself, highlighting the role of spiritual strength in times of crisis.

Her work at the shelter reflects the Assyrian Church of the East’s emphasis on charity and hospitality. Mother Olga, who has faced personal challenges such as a cancer diagnosis while living in a foreign country, speaks of her resilience as a gift from divine providence. She views her community as a calling, not her own, emphasizing that her work is part of a larger spiritual mission.

Mother Olga’s story is one of endurance and faith, rooted in the Assyrian Church of the East’s traditions. Her experiences in war and her subsequent ministry in the United States illustrate the church’s ongoing commitment to serving the community, particularly those who are vulnerable and in need. Her presence and dedication serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion and faith in times of hardship.

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