Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Gaza (Agenzia Fides) - The Israeli authorities issued 600 permits to many Christians living in Gaza Strip to allow them to visit the Holy Places during the holiday season. Permits have a monthly period, starting from Sunday, December 20. Palestinian sources consulted by Agenzia Fides, emphasize that Israeli authorities refused to permit Christians between 12 to 30 years of age. This selection will make most of the permits unusable, especially among those issued to children of younger couples, who might not be accompanied by their parents.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, December 20, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal opened the holy door of the parish in Gaza, dedicated to the Holy Family. The Patriarch, together with Bishop Giacinto Boulos Marcuzzo (Patriarchal Vicar of Israel) and some priests from Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories, attended the children’s Christmas party that took place in the multipurpose premises of the newly built parish. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 21/12/2015)
EUROPE/ITALY - Cardinal Filoni at the 'Perdonanza bibionese': "Christ has tattooed our name on his hands"
ASIA/HONG KONG - Cardinal Tong’s pastoral letter for Advent - Family and marriage: foundation of society