Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bethlehem (Fides Service)- Recently in Bethlehem there was a meeting between His Beatitude Michel Sabbah, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and young Palestinian Christians. The meeting organised by JUTHOURUNA Forum Bethlehem was attended by 280 young Palestinian Christians from private schools, scout groups, Oratories and Bethlehem University.
After a reading from the Word of God, the animator of the meeting welcomed the Patriarch and the young people. Then JUTHOURUNA director Dr. Charlie Abou Saada thanked God for the grace of such a large number of young people who had come to listen and dialogue with the leading member of the Church in Palestine.
His Beatitude opened his talk urging the young people not to be afraid, as Jesus said when in the boat on the Sea of Galilee he reassured his frightened disciples. He stressed the importance of returning to the roots, the Word of God and the life of the Church. He urged the young people not to be afraid to love despite violence and war, reminding them that Christians must learn to forgive and love even enemies. He encouraged the young people to insert themselves in society and dialogue with everyone.
When the Patriarch had spoken, a few of the young people put questions to him about relations between the Church and the new Hamas government, on relations with the State of Israel and about the life and present day difficulties encountered by the Church in the Holy Land. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/4/2006 righe 24 parole 292)
