Vicariate continues on despite war

The parish in Beer Sheba has been the one in the Vicariate hardest hit by the continuing violence. Close to the war front in Gaza, sirens have warned of rocket attacks a few times and day. One family decided to leave the country, many others took refuge in the north of the country. Those who remained behind, had to find refuge in the shelters. Prayer however did not stop and Father Gioele, the parish priest continued his regular schedule of masses, ever ready to celebrate in the shelter, underneath the parish house, if need be.

A major blow to the summer plans was for the youth group. Desert Flower, who had been preparing all through the year to receive the youth from Italy, who had welcomed them last year on their pilgrimage. Like many other groups, the Italian youth decided to cancel due to the war in Gaza. The news was received with sadness but understanding, as programs were cancelled and promises formulated that the meeting would be postponed to a later date.

Another major change involved the annual children’s summer camps. Each year the children of the various kehillot spend five days in Deir Rafat near Beit Shemesh in summer camps, spending fun days with many activities, including religion classes and prayer. Another five days are also spent together with the other Hebrew speaking children from the migrant communities. Due to the situation, a decision was made to cancel the first five days and Father David, responsible for he Vicariate, asked the priests in Jerusalem Jaffa and Haifa to organize local activities for those children who could come. It is hoped that the last five days, July 28 to August 1, will be held in Deir Rafat even with reduced numbers.

We all continue to pray that peace will come. We remember in our prayers all suffering from the violence that has gone on for too long. We pray for the dead and those who mourn them and all the children robbed of their summer holiday and their childhood.