2013 Hannuka camp for Hebrew speaking Catholic children

This year, for the first time, a camp for children of the Hebrew speaking Catholic communities was organized during the Hannuka school holiday. The camp brought together forty members of the kehillot – children (the youngest being 5 years old), youth and adults – in order to prepare together for Christmas.

Each day there was a lesson about Christmas given by Father Rafic. The other activities also focused on Christmas. There were activities that focused on art (under the watchful supervision of Sinead, Claudia and with the help of Brother Alberto) and music (with Father Rafic). There was also fun time including sport (with Habib), dancing (with Claudia) and games (with Daniele). A part of the time was spent preparing the play that was to be presented on the last day. There was also preparation each day for the daily mass that focused on Advent and the Christmas season.

Towards evening, after the showers, the groups convened in order to evaluate the day – what had been good and what had been more trying? What were the expectations for the following day? After dinner, there was time to speak to parents and then to relax with a movie.

On the last day, Father David celebrated mass to thank the Lord for all the graces received. A number of parents joined the celebration. After mass, the children presented a beautiful play, the script written by Kirill, the backdrop prepared by Brother Alberto, the costumes prepared by Kirill and his mother and the music animated by Father Rafic. A Christmas tale, it brought to life the Holy Family and the animals in the cave together with the shepherds and magi. A group of dancers added to the joy!

Again, the role of the young counselors from the Desert Flower group was essential. Thanks to Kirill, Salma, Habib, Yuli, Hong Hui, Daniele, Yelena and Miguel. And thanks to those who organized the camp: Claudia and Father Apolinary as well as those who participated as responsible: Fathers Roman and Rafic, Sister Marianna and Sinead.

Again, thank you, Lord, who gives us these blessed opportunities to prepare for Christmas.