Christmas II - Feast of the Holy Family

Christmas II – The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Jospeh

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128; Colossians 3:12-21; Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

The Holy Family Parish.

It is the only Catholic community in the Gaza Strip.

 

7 October 2023. Hamas attack on Israel.

 

Holy Family.

A refuge for hundreds of civilians, elderly people, people with disabilities, women and children.  

 

Holy Family.

A shelter for families.

Hot meals. Fresh fruit. Vegetables.

Nursing formula. Water. Medicine.

Fuel for generators.

 

Pastor. Fr. Gabriel Romanelli.

Pope Francis called Fr. Romanelli every day at 4pm.

 

Israeli bombing. Large parts of the complex destroyed.

People killed.

People wounded, including Fr. Romanelli.

 

I expect Joseph led his small family to Egypt through what we know as the Gaza Strip.

The parish, its sheltered families and Joseph’s family are bound together by an experience.

Fear. Threats endured. Violence endured.

Remain faithful.

 

Herod lives.

Do not forget the boys of Bethlehem.

 

Do not forget the families of Holy Family Parish.