Visit January 31, 2010

Lorenzo, Andres and I, Sr Susan, accompanied two friends of the Western Lieutenancy of the Knight of the Holy Sepulcher, Chuck and Eleanor Radloff who have wanted to go to Gaza. This was the only day possible for them to visit. Before Mass we were able to visit the areas heavily shelled, mainly the industrialized area. We could see where some factories remained must as they were after the war and others that were being rebuilt. Men and boys with donkey carts were busy clearing and hauling away debris from the ruins. Others were straightening the tangled iron rein reinforment rods, working in twos. We are told that they are paid 15 shekels or $3.30 a day to do these jobs. We wondered how families manage to eat daily with such limited income.

We went on to the 10:00 Mass at the parish which is always a joy and to see friends. The youth and children have returned to going to the Mass and sing with great gusto. Chuck and Eleanor had a nice visit with Father Jorge and may help him with needed computers, for one of the schools of the parish which has none.

Sabah joined us and we went to the Middle Camps to the Musaddar School and saw all the teachers, even though the schools are all closed for the semester break. Teachers were busy making visual aids for the children. Mohammad shared with our guests all the programs going on it the school which continues to be a center for many programs for adults and children of the three local villages.

We wanted to see how Mona's home is advancing and found a beautiful reality. The house of two rooms and a bath which Fr. Giovanni Nicolini's parish has been sponsoring has become three times larger. The neighbors encouraged by help from the outside have donated cement blocks and money to build a house much larger and ideal for a family of ten. We never saw such smiles on the faces of the mother and each child as we congratulated them on the building. Four of the children are in their early 20ies and the youngest is three. We left thanking the Lord for this new reality. Mohammad did much of the work with the planning of the building.


Some visited briefly another family who Sabah had to see. We left in order to get to the boarder crossing by 14:30 as usual. Sabah and I, in the car, shared on the way, as I let her know what items from each school we will be sponsoring in February. She let me know which families will illness will be treated soon. I asked her to write a list of those served either with medicines or operations monthly. She also gave me the bank statement for Fr. Thomas for the month. In the three areas of our food distribution the social workers are reevaluating the families who are getting food. She will give us a new list soon.

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Visit to Gaza January 11th. and 12th, 2010

Fr. Jean and I, Sr. Susan went to Gaza having no problems at the boarder crossing. A meeting was canceled so we were able to visit some Greek Orthodox spots in the morning. In the afternoon we had a meeting with three of our five schools to find out what had been purchased for them so far and what needed to be bought. Following we had a second meeting with the heads of the three centers who run our food program.

Since moving into a new service, that of funding medicines and operations from among our 300 families who receive food we discussed which family was the neediest. From each area we received two forms. Another new five families from the Gaza City area were still to be studied. The cost of medicines and operations were not yet available for all, so this is being studied. The money for this project was given Sabah for the month of January. Hopefully this week the names of those to be assisted this month will be decided. The money will be given directly to the pharmacy or to the hospital by our staff when paying for the medicine and the operations.

The following day we visited the Parish's High school with Orla and Richard from Tuesday's Child of Ireland. The Holy Family School is run by Fr. Jorge. This school is in need of replacing the computers and Orla may be able to help Father with this. We also visited the Christian Camp going to the home of the Little Sisters of Charles Defoucauld who shared about their special ministry in the camp living in solidarity with the poor. Oral and Richard in turn told them about their various projects that they work hard to fund from the generous people of Northern Ireland. They fund our 300 families monthly in the food program, as well as centers for the poor in 14 countries around the world.

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Christmas in Gaza: a visitation

Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem - Christmastime in Gaza, celebrated, as is now the custom, in the last week of advent, was really beautiful. The Gospel of Luke for this Fourth Sunday of Advent tells the story of Mary rising and going quickly to see her old and pregnant cousin Elizabeth who lives in the hill country of Judea. The meeting and the greeting of the two women lets loose the joy of the babies they carry in their wombs. That is just the way it was for this visit of our Patriarch Fouad, pastor of the Mother Church of Jerusalem and representing the whole Church.

Christmastime in Gaza, celebrated, as is now the custom, in the last week of advent, was really beautiful. The Gospel of Luke for this Fourth Sunday of Advent tells the story of Mary rising and going quickly to see her old and pregnant cousin Elizabeth who lives in the hill country of Judea. The meeting and the greeting of the two women lets loose the joy of the babies they carry in their wombs. That is just the way it was for this visit of our Patriarch Fouad, pastor of the Mother Church of Jerusalem and representing the whole Church.

Both quick on his feet and determined, he passed through the walls and barriers to finally reach the house of the Holy Family in Gaza, a parish community marked by years under siege, imprisoned and mortified by the Israeli attach a ear ago, hungry for justice and peace, but rich and in faith and hope. The Patriarch’s powerful and courageous words reached the hearts of the Gaza Christian, bringing comfort and joy to each person: “Oh Infant of Bethlehem, you who passed through Gaza in your flight to Egypt, grant us your patience, your love, your goodness – the Patriarchate said – May this new year bring reconciliation, purification of intentions, a meeting of hearts, the end of divisions, the destruction of walls and the construction of the bridges of understanding, mutual forgiveness and encounter among peoples.” The little child of Bethlehem did not have either prestige or power in the eyes of the world. Yet he is our King, God among us! In his small size and weakness there is hidden the light and salvation for all men!

The parish of Gaza anticipated the coming of this day with commitment and dedication. For days, well-organized working groups set up the manger scene, decorated the interior and exterior of the church, prepared the songs and liturgy, and got the hall and lunch ready. After many years of silence, the Scouts got out their drums and welcomed, cheered and greeted the entire delegation with the Patriarch. It was very large: Bishop Marcuzzo, Don Peppino Barbesta pastor of Retegno (LO Italy) founder of Workers Believers. The community of the Incarnate Word IVE, which to the pastor of Gaza Father Jorge belongs to, and his brother Father Elias, were happy to receive their Father Provincial, Fr Luis Montes, as well as Father Gabriel Romanelli and father Victor. Belonging to the Patriarchate were Fr. Humam Khzouz, the Patriarchal general administrator and Fr. Majdi Siryani, director general of schools. Mother Ines Al-Yacoub, Superior General of the Sisters of the Rosary also came to visit the community of her sisters. Don Nandino Capovilla of Pax Christi and Don Marco Italy Corniolo, Andrea and Lorenzo, two brothers of the Families of the Visitation and 3 journalists also came along.

About 300 faithful filled the small parish church and celebrated the Sunday mass with warmth and participation. After the Mass, all the Christians greeted their visitors under the pleasant sunshine.

Thanks to Fr. Nandino the celebration also reached many others whose eyes turned towards Gaza. More than 50 cities were ‘spiritually’ participating in the mass, remembering Gaza in their prayers.

In the greeting hall the Patriarch also met with Muslim dignitaries. He blessed and handed over an ambulance that Caritas Jerusalem donated to Al Ahli Arab Hospital. Then, together with all the religious sisters of Gaza, the bishops and priests of the delegation, His Beatitude blessed the house named “Hogar de Cristo.” It is entrusted to the community of the Missionaries of the Incarnate Word under the supervision of Fr. Elias and will soon house handicapped children.

After a convivial lunch there were the goodbyes and the departure for Jerusalem in the hope that, with the permission of the Israeli government, they all might see each other again on Christmas Eve in Bethlehem.

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Visit december 2 and 3, 2009

Fr. Jean and I, Sr Susan had no hitches entering and leaving. Fawyseh and Sabah met us on the other side. We visited the Amjad School which Jean saw for his first time. The children were still there which was nice. The school was clean and the children were working hard. Jean spent a good amount of time getting to know their situation in the vicinity and asked what was purchased and need to be still.


A driver took us to Gaza City where Sabah had arranged a meeting with those involved in the food distribution: Maha, Fawyseh, Mohamed and Sabah. We learned much about the situation in each area. Our form will be for the families in need of medications, surgery, dippers for the elderly and all things related to health. I will meet monthly with this same group to identify the families most in need of our help.

That evening we visited the Little Sisters in the Christian Camp. Jean said Mass there and Grada was with us. They also shared the history of the Christians families who settled there. They have also four families from various regions that are in a desperate situation and asked for our help. I said that we would study these in January.


Following we went to Grada's home where we sat in the dark around lanterns as the electricity had gone out. We were served a nice meal and again listened to their stories. Grada shared about the success of the children's party in the parish last Saturday where 170 spent the day in various activities.

That night we stayed over at the parish and Fr. Jean said the Mass that next morning. Andrea, Lorenzo and Fr. Giovanni Nicolini their superior and founder joined us for a visit of the Marazi School. Jean visited and listened to Awatif as she explained the situation of the school. All our schools are concerned as they can't pay their teachers as the children's families cannot pay their fees. We reminded them that we can't pay salaries and asked if we could pay the children's fees. Mohamed picked up us and brought us to his school where several of us.

We hadn't seen Rouida in over a year so we went there to see her and their twins, now three years old. Visiting was a woman who was crying as the doctor had just told her that her baby in her womb was dead. She had no money to have surgery to remove the baby. Due to the presence of Fr. Giovanni Nicolini we were able to give her some money for the surgery. We felt that it was Providential that we were there at that time.

We had wanted to revisit Mona a widow with ten children and living in a tent for 7 or 8 years. We left her a bit of money and heard how her son's eye operation went at St. John's Eye hospital in Jerusalem. We helped pay for this surgery and he must return for a check up in January. We left her some money and promised her that we wouldn’t forget that they need a house. A couple of years ago Orla had promised to fund a house for them some time ago. Now perhaps Fr. Giovanni Nicolini's parish may take on this project. Some building materials are getting in now.


Mohamed brought us to still another family living in a tent, to the home of seven children and their parents. The mother was cooking on a wood fire inside on the dirt floor. Again we couldn't leave without giving this woman something. These two tent families receive food from us monthly.
Lorenzo, Andres and Fr. Giovanni Nicolini remained for another day in Gaza.
We returned across the boarder with much to assimilate. We were in admiration for the people living under great hardships. One can't help but wonder if things can get worse.

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Gaza visit of November 10th - report

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Fr. Thomas and Fr. Jean went down for the day. Entering went well they found that the passage on the Gaza side was finished and made passing suit cases much easier; they had carried four suit cases of used cloths for the poor. Sabah spent the day with them. They started with a visit to Fawyseh school in the north. The school is poor but clean. While they were there Save the Children brought them educational toys. Fawyseh and Nahla shared the problems that they were encountering, mainly that of limited space. They viewed the sun shade which needs to be enlarged. They still await their refrigerator. Courses for the parents are offered in the afternoon.
Following they visited the Musaddar school in the middle camps area. Najaw replaces Mohamed who was at a meeting; she updated the priests on events there. They are in need of several items: rugs for the classes, white boards, and clean water. For the long term, they need two added classes as their classes have too many children. Programs continue for the adults in the afternoon which are animal husbandry and micro finance. These classes go on with the help of other NGOs.
After, they returned to Gaza city where they visited the Zahar School. Ferial the directress welcomed them. This school was not as clean and well as the previous schools and this was discussed. They have been renting it only since the war and it needs repairs. They are also in line for a refrigerator, which Sabah will organize with them. Three schools have been promised them; a better price should be had buying three at one time.
They had no time to visit the parish due to having to be at the boarder at 2:30.

A week-end in the parish: 30 october - 1 november 2009

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Andres and Lorenzo spent a nice week-end in the parish mainly with Fr. Jorge, the Youth of the parish, the Little Sisters and Grada and her family. They visited the Byzantine ruins of the monastery near the coast which we hope that the new members of the team will be able to see. Fr. Jorge continues to join the kids weekly for their religion class and he organizes activities for all the youth about 40-70 every Wednesday doing something different weekly.

Video from Youtube

Our visit October 26 and 27

Crossing the boarder went well. A new health check was added at the Gaza side. Only our temperature was taken.

We were able to visit three schools and one women's center through these two days. Fawyseh was our driver as we started at her school where Sabah met us. At each school the children were busy learning to write their alphabet or numbers. Some were outside in the playground or having their lunch which we helped to provide.

With the directress of each school we announced the items that we had decided to provide for them for their schools. We asked them to get estimates of the prices and Sabah would with them what was best. Two need refrigerators and buying two at one time may be cheaper. The directress of the Zahar School was at the women's center, so we were able to discuss with her the same items to be purchased as we did with the other three schools.

At the Women's Center we were happy to meet the Directress and her team who run the various activities. Suha and Wissal the two social workers who have been doing home visits and have files on each family who need food; we met for the first time. We were very impressed by their work. They shared some of their stories. Many services to the area are provided at this center. It is one of the three Centers who distribute food for us. The women witnessed to a real sense of respect and collaboration among themselves.

As usual Fr. Thomas finish our first day with Mass said at the Missionaries of Charity. I spent the night with the Sisters and he at Fr, Jorge's house. Fr. Elias is at home as his brother is very ill. Despite very hot days we returned home being grateful to all whom welcomed us, shared their realities and vision of the future with us. Regretfully their situation seems to be worse at the moment due to political realities.

The pictures are of the children at the Missionaries of Charity School and of the women responsible for programs at the woman's Center.

A Day of Recollection to write our Mission Statement

Four of our team met for most of a day to reflect and to create our Mission Statement. Ideas were presented from other organizations serving the poor. In silent prayer each sought to formulate ours. Just before noon we shared a liturgy and after had a meal together. A brief meeting followed. Fr. Jean took note and will share with us in order to add to or make corrections, so that all will agree to our final draft of our Mission Statement.

Gaza: Mass and blessing of the parish's new installations

On Sunday, October 18, Father Humam Khzouz, the General Administrator for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, paid a visit to the Latin Parish in Gaza, accompanied by Mother Ines Al-Yaqoub, the General Superior of the Rosary Sisters and by Br. Andrea Bergamini. The parishioners, gathered together for the Eucharistic Benediction, warmly welcomed the small delegation. Fr. Human was the celebrant at the mass.

In his homily he made use of the readings of the mass to encourage the Christians to offer service, to be ready to perform reciprocal acts of charity, to sustain each other’s hopes even, and above all, in the dark and difficult moments that, for too long a time now, have been characteristic of the life of the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip. [...]

After the mass, there was the blessing of the rooms under the rectory, and the large hall under the nursery school, which have been recently restored, thanks to the contributions of a few Italian parishes. These rooms will serve for catechism classes and youth get-togethers. In fact, the Pastor, Jorge Hernandez, has been dedicating particular attention to the Christian youth of Gaza. Every week he invites them to the parish in order to play, meet to discuss or pray together: between 70-90 young people of various ages – a number that grows to even 120 when you talk about the great appreciated field trips away from the parish – enliven and render joyful these parish meeting rooms. There is still much to do, and every help is grateful appreciated, but still, from among the parishioners, you can sense the enthusiasm and happiness.

For a few weeks now, Fr. Elias, who is also of the community of the Incarnate Word, has been living in the parish, and is from the same country and ordination class as Fr. Jorge. He deals with people with gentleness and goodness, supports the Pastor, and spends a great deal of energy studying Arabic.

Fr. Humam Khzouz was able to meet the teachers at the patriarchate school, talk over the most important and urgent matters with Fr. Jorge, and visit the school of the Rosary Sisters, which was significantly damaged during the Junuary 2009 war. With warm cordiality and a true spirit of hospitality, the sisters, together with their Mother General, invited the priests and sisters of Mother Theresa to lunch at their house.

The video (Youtube)

The photo gallery (picasa album)

Source: www.lpj.org

Visit to Gaza on September 29th and 30th.

It was the feast of the Guardian Angels and as Fr. Thomas and I waited with others an hour and a half to enter the boarder crossing we asked our Angels to storm heaven for us. I was the one to be delayed entrance for a time. So our day had a slow start yet right away we went to one of our schools in the north and the children were working on their letters and numbers. The classes were crowded, as many preschools had been destroyed in the last war.

Sabah told us that due to larger classes we must give more money monthly to the larger schools, so that the children can be fed daily rather than two or three times a week. We hope that we can do this.

We noticed how there was many cars on the streets again and were told that the gasoline is now only $2 a liter and solar $1 a liter, so the people are buying cars to be like taxis for others to earn money. Still there are many donkeys and carts on the roads. We asked it most items needed, can be found in stores now? Sabah said yes, but at a high price.

For example fruit is very expensive. We asked the three schools who we visited or directresses whom we met what are their urgent needs and their long term needs listing all. Most seemed necessary such as school supplies, repairs on their water filters and one asked for a refrigerator, so they don't have to shop daily for fresh foods.

That evening we returned to the parish were we met the new priest who will live with Fr. Jorge. He is young and is called Fr. Elias. He hasn't learned Arabic yet, yet everyone is thrilled to have him among them. Fr. Thomas spent the evening with the priests and I it with the Missionaries of Charity. Grada and Rita came for the table games which we had purchased for their children and were delighted with the games for all ages of children.

Four to five people are still killed in the tunnels daily due to some collapsing or due to the shelling of the tunnels.

Wednesday we visited the Amjad School in Marazi and found out that the owner will be using two of their classrooms. They did find other rooms which replaced these two rooms. Thursday we had the startling news that the directress and her assistant may be leaving the school, as one is ill and one has another job. Sabah will be inquiring if we should still help this
pre-school in the future as she visits their board.

We ended with a visit to the bank with Sabah. On leaving, this time it was Fr. Thomas's turn to be delayed at the boarder, but for a short time.