| In March, 2001 I accompanied
Fr. Guido Gockel on one of his
pastoral visits to Christians in the Gaza Strip. Life in Gaza is a struggle
for most. Over- crowding is an overwhelming problem. 1.2 million residents
live within just 84 square miles, making this narrow stretch of land one
of the most densely populated areas in the world. Over 60 % live in squalid
overcrowded refugee camps. Few of the roads are paved and due to inadequate
sewage and garbage disposal, untreated refuse and rotting food line most
streets.
Father Guido remarked that
the difficult conditions exacerbate problems within a family.“Gaza families
are under tremendous tension. The school dropout rate among teenagers is
high. There are a great many problems,” he added.
When we visited Fr. Musallam,
pastor of Holy Family, Gaza’s only Catholic parish he greeted us warmly
and introduced us to teachers and students at the parish school.
In the face of insurmountable problems, uncertainties, hopelessness and
fear, Fr. Musallam exuded warm confidence, peace, and calm. He remarked,
“It is impossible to live or survive here without providence.” He went
on to say that the only cure for the conflict and suffering here was love.
“We need love. Love is the only medicine for this disease.” -
Don Schwager, editor
See | IF
ONLY I COULD DO SOMETHING: Praying for Peace in the Holy Land meditation
by Fr. Guido Gockel | The
Gaza Strip | Brotherhood
Park in Gaza | "Even
the birds have gone": Beit Jala beseiged | "Destroy
our churches but spare our homes" by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
| Pontifical Mission
in the Holy Land | |
Fr. Musallam
listens to a young student who attends school at Holy Family Parish in
Gaza. (photos: Don Schwager)
Fr. Guido with Fr. Musallam
and teacher in the parish run school
Also see website and articles
from | Catholic Near East Welfare Association
| Struggling on the
Gaza Strip | Caught
in the Middle: the Matar family in Beit Jala | One
City, Two Peoples, Two Standards: George Martin reports on life in
Jerusalem | Religion,
Politics and Jerusalem by Msgr. Stern | Rebuilding
Lives in Palestine | |