The number of Christians fleeing bomb attacks in Gaza is increasing at the Sagrada Familia. The parish priest, Father Romanelli, once again thanked the Pope for his concern. “He calls us almost every afternoon.”
(Vatican News Network) The Gaza corridor is still completely blocked, and more than two million people are short of water, food, medicine and fuel. Currently, more than 700 people are taking refuge in the Sagrada Familia in Gaza’s Latin area. Father Gabriele Romanelli, the parish priest of the parish, said in an interview with this news network that a few days ago, “the Greek Orthodox church in Gaza was attacked, killing 18 people. After that, there were more Christian refugees. Come to our parish”. “With us are 54 disabled children who are cared for by the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity and who require special treatment.”
All religious communities are located near the Sagrada Familia, which has become the center of the Church in Gaza. For this reason, Cardinal Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, provided the Israeli authorities with their exact location in order to avoid a huge tragedy. “All the religious communities decided to stay in the Sagrada Familia in order to be close to the refugees,” Father Romanelli said. They knew the dangers they faced, but “there was no safe place.” The priest also said that the Israeli military has repeatedly asked us to leave the northern part of the Gaza corridor and withdraw to the southern part, but it has also been bombed there.
In addition, Father Romanelli said, the parish now seems to have become a community of the first disciples of Jesus. “We do things together, we pray together, and we strive to live out the spirit of charity when distributing relief supplies.” Asked about what is most urgently needed at the moment, the parish priest answered without hesitation: “Prayers. Prayers are needed and prayers for an early end to the war through mortification are needed. Secondly, there is the need for basic necessities, because everything is lacking.” “.
Pope Francis recently announced that October 27 is a day of prayer, fasting and penance for peace. Worshipers at the Holy Family Cathedral in Gaza prayed together with believers from around the world. Finally, Father Romanelli once again expressed his gratitude to the Pope for his continued care. He said, “The Pope calls us almost every afternoon. He calls me, and if he can’t find me, he calls the parish. This is a sign of great generosity and kindness. It is known that he is close to everyone and treats everyone equally.” .
Link URL:www.vaticannews.cn
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2023-10-27 10:43:46
