Gaza's parish priest overjoyed to be back with his flock

Fr Gabriel Romanelli celebrates Mass in Gaza's Church of the Holy Family

Source: ACN, Vatican News

Fr Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Latin-rite Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, is back in his parish after more than seven months' absence. Just before 7 October Fr Gabriel had travelled to Bethlehem to collect medicine for one of the parish sisters. When the war began he was unable to return.

Fr Gabriel, an Argentinian member of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, accompanied Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa's visit to Gaza last week. Fr Carlos Ferrero and a sister, both from the same religious family, accompanied him on his return.

Speaking with Aid to the Church in Need, Fr Gabriel said he is determined to provide spiritual, moral and material assistance to all those affected by the increasing crisis, regardless of their religious affiliation.

He said: "I have been a missionary in Gaza for almost 19 years - and now, when I was finally able to come back, many of my people are no longer here."

Fr Gabriel said he felt he had to do everything he could to alleviate the suffering and wanted to "stay here because this is my mission."

He highlighted that 36 Christians have perished in Gaza since the conflict began, "20 of whom died due to Israeli army bombings or sniper fire", while "the others primarily succumbed to the lack of medicine.. We lost a child from Mother Teresa's orphanage. It is painful, but at the same time, we know they are with God. They are present in Heaven to intercede for peace, justice and forgiveness of sins for all of us and for those engaged in war."

Father Romanelli told ACN he and his community continue to pray fervently for an end to the conflict, as war is not the will of God but the result of human actions. He said that his community's prayers extend to all victims, and they tirelessly advocate for justice, peace and reconciliation....Our Saviour is our Lord Jesus Christ, but I feel that here, at least, I can do something so no one is left behind… We must speak out for justice, peace and the liberation of those deprived of freedom."

The priest went on to call for "the entry of humanitarian aid to heal the thousands of wounded." He highlighted that "the situation in the cities is terrible, without a single structure that has not been damaged", explaining: "Here in the parish, we have around 500 refugees. Of these about 50 individuals, primarily children, are under the care of the Sisters of Mother Teresa. Additionally, we provide assistance to thousands of people in the neighbourhood, offering water, food and medicine."

The commitment of the Christians there is rewarded by the continual support of Pope Francis. "The Holy Father calls every day to give us words of comfort and his blessing," Fr Gabriel said. "He asks us to protect the children and always encourages us to keep going."

The parish priest prayed that "peace may reign over Palestine, over Israel, and that the Lord may grant the necessary ceasefire, even though it seems impossible, as a first step towards justice and peace."

He concluded by expressing his hope that "humanitarian aid can be delivered, all hostages and those deprived of freedom can be released, and thousands, thousands of injured people can receive treatment."

Father Romanelli expressed his gratitude for the charity's help, saying: "We thank ACN's benefactors for all that they do, and encourage them to continue providing spiritual, existential and material aid to console the suffering Heart of Jesus in all those who suffer. May the Virgin Mary bless us, and thank you again for everything."

The war in Gaza has had a devastating financial impact on the Holy Land's Christian community, most of whom work in the tourism sector and have lost their source of income since almost all pilgrimages to the region have been cancelled.

ACN has also provided emergency aid - food coupons, life-saving medicine and help with housing costs and tuition fees - for thousands of Christians in the Holy Land who have lost their livelihoods.

ACN's UK office is only able to contribute to the support in the West Bank and East Jerusalem because UK counter-terrorism sanctions prohibit the transfer of funds into Gaza.

With thanks to Maria Lozano and Christophe Lafontaine

LINKS

Aid to the Church in Need - https://www.acnuk.org