The young Christians in Gaza are the best example of this year’s Christmas, and a beautiful Sunday message for the small Catholic community of the Strip. The Patriarch was welcomed by the local Christians led by the parish priest, Fr. Jorge Hernandez. Mass was celebrated, seven children were confirmed and three received first holy communion.
The Latin Patriarchate delegation was greeted in the courtyard of the parish to the rhythm of drums of the scout group of 60 members. About 300 people filled the church.
The children were at the heart of the Patriarch’s homily drawing the attention of the faithful to the Advent of Christmas. "A child, innocent and defenseless, was born in Bethlehem, in our beloved Holy Land. He brings peace and salvation to all men. We look up to him as a model and example, to be like him, to be witnesses of the love and mutual acceptance. In a world torn by conflict and hostility, the Child Jesus is an extraordinary sign of newness and hope. "The Patriarch continued by stating that "the children of the parish, who for the first time receive the Body and Blood of Christ, or marked by the Holy Spirit are for us the image of the nativity in Bethlehem." He concluded by saying that, "Peace begins in our hearts and extends to our families, and then silently spreads to our cities and in our land.
After the celebration, His Beatitude gave interviews to the local press. He insisted that every Christian has the right to go to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas. This year, Israeli authorities issued about 500 permits for Christians from Gaza to travel to the city where the Savior was born. However, excluded are those between 16 and 35. Families are not together, not for Christmas. Christians suffer like all Palestinian people who still do not enjoy the right to live in an independent free and peaceful state.
In the parish hall, families exchanged Christmas greetings and wishes for the new year in a joyful atmosphere. Members of the Patriarchate delegation were: Fr. Pietro Felet, Secretary General of the Celra; Fr. Humam Khzouz, Patriarchate Director General; Fr. Marcelo Gallardo, Vice Chancellor of the Patriarchate; Fr Mario Corniole and Fr. Gabriel Romanelli. Cris El-Bandak, a Christian from Bethlehem released by the State of Israel on October 18 in exchange for soldier Gilad Shalit, was present during the celebration.
After the big meal, the two cars of the delegation of the Patriarchate returned to Jerusalem. Control procedures and security at the Erez checkpoint were particularly quick and easy, thanks to coordination with the Israeli authorities.
Photos and article by Andrea Bergamini
(Source www.lpj.org - the article is also available in Arabic, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese)
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