On Sunday, January 7th, 2024, on the Feast Day of the Baptism of the Lord, also known as Theophany, Fr. Yousef, Vicar priest of the Latin parish of Gaza, administered the sacrament of First Holy Communion to eight children of the parish after completing their preparation program and education, despite the war. During the past three months, the Sacraments of the Church continued to be given in the Holy Family Church of Gaza, noting that the Sacrament of Baptism has also been given to a child a while back.
The war has not prevented divine graces from happening. We have previously witnessed their ability to open a private production room to produce the special bread (the host), which is used during Mass. Cardinal Pierbattista, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has formerly expressed the strength and steadfast faith demonstrated by the parishioners of Gaza, which he has witnessed during his check-up calls to those taking refuge in the monastery.
We note, from the images shared on the parish Facebook page, that the parish of Gaza continued to celebrate daily Mass. Many of those who are sick have been taking refuge in the walls of the church, which also enables them to receive the Church’s Sacraments daily.
We continue to pray for our people in Gaza so that God would give them strength and patience during these tough times. And we continue to plead for a cease-fire and hope for a comprehensive plan of peace and justice to take place.
