Jerusalem – An urgent appeal to the "reconstruction of Gaza to help the thousands of families left homeless after the last conflict", a reminder of the centrality of the educational work of Christian Schools, threatened by cuts in subsidies, and request of a renewed commitment of ecclesial realities in support of Iraqi and Syrian refugees and immigrants from Africa and Asia: are the key points discussed in the meeting of Catholic Ordinary Bishops of the Holy Land, held on 10 and 11 March in the Franciscan Convent of Jerusalem.
The meeting was attended by the Catholic Bishops of Jordan, Palestine, Israel and Cyprus. Among the things discussed there were also those related to the pastoral work to be done for the upcoming canonization of the two Blessed Palestinians, Sister Marie Alphonsine Ghattas and the Carmelite Mariam Bawardi, to be held in Rome on 17 May, and the next Synod on family in October.
In the final communiqué of the meeting, released by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, concern for the future of Christian schools in Israel was expressed, hit by "cuts related to subsidies on behalf of the Ministry of Education". The document reaffirms the intention of the Church to give support to "Asian and African migrants living in a precarious situation", marked by exploitation, discrimination and lack of protection of fundamental rights.
Regarding the condition of refugees from Syria and Iraq, the Bishops stress that most of them do not seem to grow any hope of a possible return to their Countries marked by bloody conflicts. Caritas resources – warn the Bishops – decrease with the prolongation of the crisis. And the progressive deterioration of the living conditions of millions of refugees and displaced persons calls into question in an ever more pressing manner the responsibilities of the international community and the UN.
By: Agenzia Fides
