On Monday, November 4, 2024, Msgr. William Shomali, Patriarchal General Vicar, and Fr. Ibrahim Faltas, Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, led a Mass at the Baby Caritas Children’s Hospital in Bethlehem to mark the foundation stone ceremony for the new Jubilee Wing Pediatric Day Surgery Project.
The event was attended by Dr. Shadi Lahham, representing the Minister of Health, Mrs. Anne-Lise Cattin Hennin, Switzerland’s Representative in Palestine, and Mr. Issa Al-Bandak, the hospital’s Executive Director, along with medical staff and officials from Palestinian health and administrative sectors.
During his homily, Msgr. Shomali highlighted the unified mission of the Church and public institutions in serving the ill impartially, stating, “This is where the mission of the state and the church meet to work together to serve the patient without seeking profit.” He emphasized healthcare as a human right, underscoring the need for continuous hospital development and modern medical technology, reflecting Jesus Christ’s healing ministry in the Holy Land.
Msgr. Shomali concluded by expressing gratitude to the benefactors supporting this new initiative.
In the end, he blessed the foundation stone with Holy Water and acknowledged the hospital staff’s dedication to the community.
By: lpj
