GAZA – On November 1- 4, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, accompanied by Fr. Joseph Sweiss, visited the Holy Family Parish in Gaza.
During his visit, Archbishop Pizzaballa met with priests, teachers and students from the Latin Patriarchate and Rosary Sisters’ school, with women religious serving in the Parish, and Christian and Muslim families.
The Apostolic Administrator celebrated Mass on the feast of All Saints and on All Souls’ Day. The administration and students of the Latin Patriarchate and Holy Family Schools warmly welcomed the Archbishop during a special ceremony that included folkloric Dabkeh Dance and a Choir performance. Archbishop Pizzaballa also inaugurated a new building dedicated to serve the elderly and people with special needs. He concluded the visit by meeting with Christian and Muslim families.
Fr. Mario Da Silva, pastor of the Holy Family parish in Gaza, had apprised the Archbishop with the current unrest in Gaza and advised him to postpone his visit. However, Archbishop Pizzaballa insisted on going to Gaza as scheduled, especially in such a difficult situation and expressed his wish to be among the people.
By: Rula Shomali
Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
