Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) - “Come celebrate Christmas in Gaza!” This is the appeal being made by Archbishop Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who tomorrow, December 20, will travel to the Gaza Strip to celebrate Christmas.
In an appeal sent to Agenzia Fides, the Patriarch said: "I would love to take you all with me that day,” addressing all the faithful of the world.
Bishop Twal says he made a heartfelt plea to "the Divine Child during those endless days of war that bloodied our last Christmas in the Gaza Strip." "Our arms to resist the resignation and discouragement have been the prayer and communion among the churches and Christians around the world. A large number of casualties, including hundreds of children, and destruction of homes and cities, have transformed the festival for a life being born into the mourning of such great desolation and death. And after a year, unfortunately, the lives of the people of Gaza have still not improved."
Hence the appeal for Christmas in Gaza: "Even this year, then, we take the same weapons of prayer and communion to feel united with those who suffer most and to receive the grace of God that brings salvation. This is why I also invite you to celebrate Christmas in Gaza, gathering this Sunday in common supplication to the God of Peace."
The Catholic community in Gaza, about 200 faithful, looking forward to a visit from their pastor, sas Fr. Jorge Hernandez, Parish Pastor in Gaza, pointing out that it is customary for the Patriarch to celebrate Christmas in Gaza on the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
Living and celebrating Christmas in Gaza with the delegation of the Patriarchate will be representatives of an alliance formed by many European organizations including Pax Christi, with the spirit of "establishing a bridge from different places of the earth to the Strip. The initiative is called "Christmas in Gaza: A Hundred Cities for Peace,” as in several European cities there will be initiatives and celebrations held in communion with Gaza.
Also bringing a ray of light in the Holy Land, is the news that the Israeli authorities intend to open the Gaza Strip crossings for Christmas, allowing the small local Christian community to celebrate the feast in Bethlehem, in the West Bank. The gesture, yet to be confirmed officially, also appears to be the result of the petitions made by the Christian Churches in the Holy Land. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/12/2009)
