PATRIARCH PIZZABALLA VISITS GAZA, CELEBRATES PENTECOST MASS
His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, addresses Fr. Ibrahim Nino, Director of the Media Office, about his pastoral visit to Gaza, which took place from May 15th to the 19th, 2024.
I entered Gaza during the week of Pentecost, in which we pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. For sure, it was a great blessing to be with the parishioners of Gaza. I was among my people who are currently enduring much suffering from the war and the destruction it has left. I brought with me the promise of a new life, and I was very surprised that they were the ones who taught me a lesson I will never forget: their steadfast faith, carried with heartwarming smiles, left a mark on me and my life.
I saw hope and optimism in their eyes. They told me, “We will stay here. As long as the church stands with us, we are not afraid.” I was really impressed by their attitude.
I conducted a pastoral visit to verify the conditions of the Christian community in Gaza. The scale of the destruction I witnessed is unbelievable, and the poor living conditions, such as the lack of water and electricity and the absence of security, are dire. The sound of bombing is frequent and is felt at every moment. Despite this, I saw unity among them, organizing their daily lives in the monastery, and managing their use of electricity, water, and food so that nothing would be lacking.
I visited the Orthodox Church, prayed with them, and spent time at the monastery to meet all its residents, together with their parish priest and their bishop, who have been very welcoming. The situation is equally terrible for all. I spoke to them about their daily lives and aspirations once the war ends and peace is established.
I did not hesitate to visit and bless the bakery, owned by a Christian family, that had recently resumed its operations, and serves everyone in the community, even if in small and sometimes insufficient quantities. The perseverance of the faithful of Gaza in celebrating Mass and adoring Christ in the Eucharist, the Bread of Life, without any interruptions or weariness, has indeed lifted their spirits and instilled in them strength, hope, and joy.
I also visited the cemetery, where I blessed the graves of the faithful departed, especially the martyrs Nahida and Samar, who were killed by a sniper near the monastery.
At the end of my visit, I celebrated the Feast of Pentecost with the parish of Gaza, on Sunday, May 19th, 2024, and administered the sacrament of Confirmation to two parishioners, George and Salama. During my homily, I emphasized two important things: the necessity of maintaining unity among each other, which I saw and bear witness to. And the crucial role played by the priests and sisters in the community in the past period. I also urged them, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to keep the flame of hope alive in their hearts and lives, and assured them that as a church, we will not abandon them and will be among the first to help rebuild Gaza and assist its people in achieving a dignified life.
What else can I say: I want to send a clear message to decision-makers. Enough killing! The war must end, and avenues for various aid must be opened to avoid an imminent humanitarian crisis. I hope this nightmare ends quickly. Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem – Card. Pizzaballa Pastoral Visit to Gaza (lpj.org)
GAZA’S PARISH PRIEST OVERJOYED TO RETURN TO HOLY FAMILY PARISH
Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Latin-rite Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, has returned after more than seven months, taking advantage of Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa’s visit to the area last week.
By Francesca Sabatinelli (Vatican news)
Since October 7, 2023, Father Gabriel Romanelli had not returned to his parish, the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City.
The mere fact of postponing his departure by one day, initially scheduled for October 6, prevented his return due to the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7.
The priest of the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE) was only able to return on the occasion of the visit of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from May 16 to 19.
The joy of returning
In these months of war, Gaza has been reduced to a heap of rubble, experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe that has killed many, especially children. Many died not only due to injury, but also dehydration and malnutrition.
In this dramatic situation, “the Lord has given an enormous blessing,” Fr. Romanelli told Vatican News, “Cardinal Pizzaballa managed to visit the parish he knows very well, as well as the families. He entered all the homes of many Catholic and Orthodox families.”
Fr. Romanelli said he feels “great joy” for being able to return with the Patriarch’s delegation. “I am in the parish and will stay here,” he promised.
Fr. Carlos Ferrero, also from the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE), and a nun from the same religious family, accompanied him on his return.
Serenity despite destruction
In Gaza, destruction and pain are sometimes mitigated by the calmness of the people.
“The situation is paradoxical; there is serenity among many of our parishioners,” Fr. Romanelli explained. “Despite the truly enormous suffering, they remain serene and place themselves in the hands of the Lord. Of course, they are very concerned about what will happen. Some are sick, some are injured, many have left, and some are thinking of leaving, but many, many, many are thinking of staying.”
The priest, along with the laity of the parish, is resolved to do everything possible to support those who remain.
To date, there are still 500 Christians taking refuge in the compound, as well as the Sisters of Mother Teresa. Their help extends also to the neighbouring Muslims.
Pope Francis’ support
The commitment of the Christians there is rewarded by the continual support of Pope Francis.
“The Holy Father calls every day to give us words of comfort and his blessing,” said Fr. Romanelli. “He asks us to protect the children and always encourages us to keep going.”
The parish priest prayed that “peace may reign over Palestine, over Israel, and that the Lord may grant the necessary ceasefire, even though it seems impossible, as a first step towards justice and peace.”
He concluded by expressing his hope that “humanitarian aid can be delivered, all hostages and those deprived of freedom can be released, and thousands, thousands of injured people can receive treatment.”
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