杏MAP导航

By Paolo Ondarza & Devin Watkins

"杏MAP导航 Francis assured us that we are in his prayers and that he knows the suffering we are enduring."

Sister Nabila Saleh of the Rosary Sisters of Jerusalem shared that summary of a phone call received from 杏MAP导航 Francis on Monday night.

The religious sister serves in the Holy Family Parish, the only Latin rite parish in Gaza.

In an interview with Vatican News, Sister Saleh said the 杏MAP导航 called the parish priest, Fr. Yusuf, who then handed her the phone 鈥渟o I could speak directly with the 杏MAP导航 since [the priest] does not speak Italian very well."

杏MAP导航鈥檚 concern for people of Gaza

She said 杏MAP导航 Francis wanted to know how many people are sheltering in the parish鈥檚 facilities.

鈥淭here are about 500 people, including the sick, families, children, the disabled, people who have lost their homes and belongings,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was a great blessing to be able to speak with him. He gave us courage and support in prayer.鈥�

Sr. Saleh asked the 杏MAP导航 to make an appeal for peace and told him that Catholics in Gaza are offering their sufferings 鈥渇or an end to the war, for peace, for the needs of the Church, and for the ongoing Synod.鈥�

鈥淥ur parishioners were very pleased,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey know that the 杏MAP导航 is working for peace and for the good of the Christian community in Gaza.鈥�

Mutual support in times of trial

Asked about the situation in Gaza, Sr. Saleh said people are trying to support each other as much as possible in their difficulties and are praying earnestly for peace.

鈥淓very day we have two Masses,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e also always pray the Rosary with the children and their families.鈥�

On Sunday evening, the parish priest celebrated Mass and baptized a child into the Christian faith.

鈥淭he mother was afraid that something bad might happen and asked to baptize her son,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was a moment of spiritual resurrection and rebirth for all of us.鈥�

Appeal for peace and justice

Sr. Saleh wrapped up the interview with an appeal for peace and justice in Palestine.

鈥淲e want peace because war does no one any good. We want this brutal war to end,鈥� she said. 鈥淢any people have lost their loved ones, their homes, and everything they have. We ask for justice: justice and peace. The Palestinian people also have the right to live. We ask not to punish the population because of a fanatic group. And then we ask that you pray for us.鈥�