H. E. Mons. WILLIAM SHOMALI
Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine
“Christmas is the feast of the poor, the feast of reconciliation and charity, of the return to God. Christ, our Lord, was born poor in a poor cave; He was visited by poor shepherds and had poor parents. He was in solidarity with the poor. Then he was forced to flee to Egypt because of Herod’s persecution, and this is another kind of poverty, the poverty of the migrant who leaves his home and who does not own anything.”
LANA RANTISI
Jerusalem
“If we emigrate, if we leave this land to move abroad, corruption will prevail in this country and we will become worthless and useless”.
H. E. Mons. WILLIAM SHOMALI
Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine
“To our youth in Bethlehem, Ramallah, Gaza, in the north of Palestine and Jerusalem I say: “
LANA RANTISI
Jerusalem
“I am not afraid to stay in my country, in this country. The future may be difficult here, but we can build it with our hands. I am not afraid to give myself to the country, because my country needs me. For Christ says:
Stay in the land of peace, the land of Jesus and the first Christians. Palestine is for us and we deserve it more than anyone else. Dear Palestinian Christians, here is the good news, happy New Year and Merry Christmas … peace is here.”
Source: Custodia Terra Sanctae
