Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
CV NEWS FEED // The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is attempting to make Christmas special for the children living in the Catholic and Orthodox church compounds in Gaza because last year’s celebrations were more subdued.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) reported that about 450 individuals live in the Holy Family parish compound, with roughly 200 more in the Orthodox compound. Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa stated in a press conference that this Christmas he wants everything to be “as normal as possible, given the extraordinary circumstances.”
“Christmas is the feast of the children. If we are able to, we will send them not only food, but also some toys, or something that can make a difference for their everyday life,” he said. “That will also be a joy for the families.”
According to ACN, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has been heavily focused on providing humanitarian aid and support to those living in the compounds throughout the war. With ACN, the Latin Patriarchate has been able to provide food for 4,000 families.
“This humanitarian support is not done just because of Christmas, but because of our identity as a Church,” Cardinal Pizzaballa said. “We cannot be a Church, talk about Jesus, and about loving our neighbor, if we don’t translate this into action.”
Pope Francis has also reportedly been able to keep morale up in the compounds with a daily phone call at 7 p.m. to the Holy Family parish. According to Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Pope is now a “grandfather” figure in the lives of the children living there.
“He might speak for only half a minute, more on some days, less on others, but he has become the grandfather of the children, because they know that he is calling,” he said. “For the community in Gaza, it is a very big psychological, emotional, and spiritual support.”
