Visit to the Holy Family Children`s Home in Bethlehem
Transcription
Visit to the Holy Family Children`s Home in Bethlehem
Visit to the Holy Family Children’s Home in Bethlehem St Mary’s Cathedral Parish and St Gerard’s and St Augustine’s Schools have supported the Holy Family Children’s Home in Bethlehem from February 2012. On the 8th of March during our Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, one group of 36 Pilgrims including Bishop Terence and Canon Gerard and several parishioners visited the Home in Bethlehem within the occupied West Bank. We brought gifts from the Parish in three suitcases, Middlesbrough Football Kits, toys, knitted and crocheted items (hats blankets cardigans), baby clothing, tee-shirts and other clothing. Also we delivered newsletters, cards, DVD, gifts and messages of support from the Children's Liturgy and both primary Schools. The entrance was through the Maternity Hospital and then up steps to the Chapel where we were greeted by Sister Elisabeth. Canon Gerard introduced Bishop Terence to Sister Elisabeth who explained how the home has developed and their work today: The Creche receives up to 120 children: poor, orphans and abandoned coming from all Palestinian territories. Fifty are resident the others come for day care. They have around fifty employees with different specializations, Caregivers, Neonatal Nurses, Paediatrician, Psychologist, Social Workers, and day care Teachers. They work together as a team to provide services for all the children and meet individual needs in a home-like environment. The children are given love, security, care and education in this loving family home. Today the Creche is more necessary than ever being an Oasis of Peace for the abandoned and entrusted children. These children are from poor background, undernourished, beaten, sometimes assaulted, thrown out from their families, and may have witnessed the tragic death of their parents. It remains the only refuge for unwed mothers and their children. The future in Bethlehem remains very difficult because of the separation wall, unemployment and violence. However with the love and comprehensive care given to every child, they are doing fine. The sick children regain their strength and develop to their full potential. Our financial help is greatly needed and is a security for Sister and her Team. They find it reassuring to have friends believing in their mission and help sustaining their work. Our support in sharing their ups and downs is very important to them. “The children ask for no more than love!” Sister then invited us to meet some of the children. . All of the gifts were gratefully received. Bishop Terence presented Sister Elisabeth with the cash gift so that she could buy needy medicines and other items for the children. The children enjoyed wearing the football kit and demonstrating their skills Some of the younger ones just needed a nurse and cuddle. They loved all the toys They all appeared very happy and content demonstrating Sister Elisabeth’s success in providing a loving Family Home. Sister Elisabeth was happy for us to take photographs and the staff kindly organised a photo call. Sadly it was soon time to go and we had to say goodbye. Sister Elisabeth thanked everyone for their gifts and particularly asked for our prayers for the children and the success of their work. St Mary’s Cathedral Parish, Middlesbrough is linked to The Holy Family Children’s Home in Bethlehem as their selected Charity. You can make a donation via the basket at the rear of the church or to Canon Gerard. Thank you for your generosity.