Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) - Advent 2007 as a season of hope and Christmas as a time to renew trust in Jesus Christ who brings new life and great joy, were the themes of a Message for Christmas 2007 issued by Caritas Jerusalem. “We think it is no coincidence that the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI chose this season to make public his Encyclical ‘Spe Salvi’, in which he explains the Gospel's wonderful teaching on the subject”, says the message signed by Secretary General Claudette Habesh. “Hope is a vital part of our work. People who come to Caritas for help hope we can help them in their daily difficulties. Helping the sick, the poor and the outcasts, helping the unemployed to find work, assisting people in many ways we meet their psychological needs, increase their confidence and help them realise they are not forgotten”, the message says.
“Caritas doors, doors of hope, are always open thanks to our benefactors, friends and partners”, the message says expressing gratitude to all who support the activity of Caritas Jerusalem in increasingly difficult social and political conditions. The message concludes with Christmas wishes of hope and peace for the Holy Land.
Recently Caritas Jerusalem celebrated 40 years of activity (see Fides 17/9/2007), in the field of schooling, healthcare, support for families in need and promotion of reconciliation and peace in the Holy Land. Anniversary initiatives included the laying of the foundation stone of a new hospital in the village of Aboud where about 2,000 people live. Caritas opened a medical centre there in 1990 which will now be enlarged. The foundation stone was blessed by Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah. Christians and Muslims attended the ceremony. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/12/2007 righe 27 parole 276)
