Scottish Catholic Observer

Bishop Shomali said he was overjoyed that the fighting had stopped last Friday.

“We are very pleased to announce that the recent grave war in Gaza is declared finished,” he said. “It is, once again, safe to resume pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and we encourage you to visit this beloved and beleaguered land. Even during the height of the war, there were several courageous pilgrims who travelled from afar to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. It is always our joy to welcome you and see you in the land of our Saviour and Lord.”

Last Friday, the priest leading the Gaza Strip’s only Catholic parish met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, thanking him for his support of those suffering in the war-torn territory.

Argentine Fr Jorge Hernandez of the Institute of the Incarnate Word had a 45-minute private meeting with the Pope just days after the start of a truce between Israel and Hamas.

The 36-year-old priest said that the Holy Father continued to offer his prayers and encouragement. He said the Pope told him: “The Gospel demands the sacrifices that Jesus Christ asks of every one of us, everywhere. It’s up to you to give witness to Jesus Christ there, in the land that saw Him suffer, that saw Him die, that also saw Him, however, come back from the dead. So, be strong, have courage, keep going!”

Fr Hernandez and three Missionaries of Charity were the only religious left at Holy Family Church during the 50-day campaign between Israeli forces and Hamas militants.

While those who could were encouraged to evacuate Gaza, the priest and three religious women stayed behind in the midst of the heaviest rocket fire to care for 29 severely disabled children and nine elderly women. They later opened up the parish school to shelter some 1200 Palestinians who fled their homes during the airstrikes.

—Read the full version of this story in Sept 5 edition of the SCO in parishes from Friday.