Gazza parish region avoids forced evacuation, according to Fr. Romanelli
In the heart of Gaza, the only Catholic Church stands as a beacon of hope amidst the ongoing conflict. The church, known as Schützenhaus, has been providing shelter to several hundred people since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023.
The parish priest of the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, IVE, has been leading the congregation through these challenging times. Despite the danger, Fr. Romanelli continues to pray for peace in the region.
The area around the church is not without its risks. Bombings are heard both day and night, and some are closer than others. Shrapnel has been arriving in the area, adding to the sense of uncertainty. Yet, Fr. Romanelli and his congregation remain safe, with the priest confirming, "We are well, thanks be to God."
Fr. Romanelli's resilience was tested on July 17, 2023, when a tank round struck the church, resulting in the death of three people and the injury of several others, including Fr. Romanelli, who sustained a slight leg wound. The Pope, Pope Leo XIV, prayed for the victims of the incident by name and called for an end to the "barbarism of war," expressing his hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Despite the ongoing war and resulting destruction, the needs of the entire civilian population of Gaza are growing. There is no current order of evacuation in the Old City of Gaza, specifically in the neighborhood of Zeytoun. The ongoing conflict results in daily casualties (dead and wounded) and destruction.
Fr. Romanelli made a declaration to Vatican Media on August 19, 2020, emphasising the need for peace and the resilience of the people of Gaza. His words serve as a testament to the spirit of the Catholic Church in Gaza, standing strong in the face of adversity.
The attack on the Schützenhaus by the Jewish underground organization Lehi in 1948 is a stark reminder of the long history of conflict in the region. Yet, the Catholic Church, under the leadership of Fr. Romanelli, continues to serve as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
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