Catholics in Holy Land pray for peace, reconciliation

“So far, the migrants are safe and no casualties have been reported,” Fr. Tojy Jose, OFM, head of the Indian Chaplaincy in the Holy Land, told CNA on Friday.

Under the back and forth of Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rockets, concerned Catholic migrants from India are praying for peace in the Holy Land. They have entrusted their protection to Mary, the “protector and patroness” said Fr. Jose  of the Indian chaplainsy.

“Migrants and tourists are apprehensive about the current situation, especially the newly arrived ones: for them it’s a new and terrifying experience.”

The visit of Pope Francis gave much “hope for peace and harmony” in this region and everyone thought that it would strengthen the peace negotiations, he said, and that there would be some sort of “reconciliation and mutual restraint. This conflict has affected everyone living in this region, especially the aged, sick, disabled, migrants, and children.  It has far-reaching effects on these people.” Fr. Jose said.

 “We offer our sincere condolences to all those in mourning, Israelis and Palestinians. We must continue to pray that those that have fallen recently will be the last to die violent deaths in this escalation of hatred and vengeance.” The Justice and Peace Commission of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries in the Holy Land said on July 8.

The commission stressed that “we need radical change. Israelis and Palestinians together need to shake off the negative attitudes of mutual mistrust and hatred.”   (Source: CNA)