| Having
recently spent three months in Jerusalem on a sabbatical, I was able to
see close-up the needs and challenges facing the Holy Land. I had
occasion to live with Fr. Guido Gockel, Regional Director for PMP and see
the work of the Pontifical Mission and to visit some of their projects.
The PMP is a relief
and development agency for the Middle East. The motto "need not creed"
guides its mission to bring humanitarian aid, to support the churches,
to foster inter-faith cooperation, and to advocate public awareness of
the needs of the region. PMP is operating agent for Catholic
Near East Welfare Association.
Some of the PMP projects
and programs include rehabilitation of homes for the poorest, support of
institutions for the handicapped, the elderly, and emergency relief for
victims of the conflict in the region, and educational, cultural, and social/pastoral
activities.
Through the generosity of
a donar from the States, the Pontifical Mission has undertaken the
construction of three parks--a safe haven for Palestinian mothers with
their children.
See recent photos of Family
Park in Ramallah, the Marie
Dotty Park in Bethlehem, and the Brotherhood
Park in Gaza City. |
Fr.
Guido Gockel, MHM, Regional Director of PMP, is a Millhill Missionary
priest. He received the Pro
Ecclesia at Pontifice (For the Church and Pope)award for his work in
the Holy Land. See IF
ONLY I COULD DO SOMETHING: Praying for Peace in the Holy Land.
Pontifical Mission Staff [from
left to right: Maher, Aida, Tony, Rose,
Fr. Guido Gockel (Regional
Director), Joseph, and Gabi.
|
