Despite the suffering, Romanelli said the faith of Gaza’s Roman Catholic community, which numbers about 135 people and includes several priests and religious, has only grown stronger.
“The major annual activities that we are used to organizing in our parish and in our schools will not take place this year,” he said. “But we started thinking spiritually… the birth of Jesus is the focus of our celebrations… Organizing different spiritual activities for parishioners to help them prepare spiritually for the birth of Jesus in our hearts and lives by cleaning the grotto of our hearts and discover the simplicity of a cave.
Although Gaza’s Catholic community is small, Romanelli says it is very active and pious. The parish holds two masses a day, a daily rosary, regular Eucharistic adoration and hosts several ministries for men, women and children to grow in the faith.
According to Romanelli, the Catholic Church also operates three of Gaza’s five Christian schools, which serve both Christian and Muslim students, as well as ministries to the sick and injured.
Even though the war hit the community hard, Romanelli said many parish ministries continued and the sacraments continue to be offered.
“As far as the spiritual life is concerned, despite everything we lack, it is still a beautiful, rich and important life in the parish,” he said. “We try to be one, helping not only Christians but also Muslims (and) everyone who comes to Gaza, allowing them to experience the special presence of the Lord.”
Preserving the presence of Christ in Gaza
Romanelli said tradition has it that the Holy Family passed through Gaza as they fled to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath and passed back through Gaza on their way to Nazareth.
Thus, Romanelli declared that the parish of the Holy Family in Gaza has three missions: first, to foster and preserve the presence of Jesus Christ in the region; second, caring for the spiritual life of the people; and third, to bear witness to the love of Jesus for all.
Today, as hundreds gather in the parish seeking shelter and spiritual comfort and the seasons of Advent and Christmas begin, Romanelli said the parish’s mission is particularly important.
Romanelli shared an Advent message, speaking to Christians not only in Gaza but around the world. He said, “we must return to the pillars of our faith, reading and meditating on the word of God, attending worship and confessing.”
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He encouraged Christians around the world to seek the sacraments and spend time with Christ in the Eucharist during the Advent and Christmas season. He also encouraged Christians to perform spiritual acts of mercy by visiting and caring for the lonely, sick, and poor.
Romanelli particularly encouraged Christians to turn to confession during this Advent season. As missiles continue to strike around them, Romanelli said Christians in Gaza remain focused not on those who can kill the body, but rather on what can kill the soul.
“We tend to forget that we need spiritual healing, we forget that we can die spiritually, but there is a solution to everything, and it is through confession and repentance,” he said . “In summary, we should renew our spiritual life through confession, penance and repentance. »
Peter Pinedo is DC correspondent for CNA. A graduate of Franciscan University, Peter previously worked for Texas Right to Life. He is a first lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve.
