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\n The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is on a pastoral visit to the Parish of the Holy Family and will preside over the Christmas Mass on Sunday.\n <\/p>\n
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His assessment is sobering: 80 percent of infrastructure has been destroyed; what remains standing risks collapse or is practically uninhabitable. The severe deterioration of some buildings has not, however, prevented a few families from returning to their homes. Four hundred people are still being sheltered on the grounds of the Holy Family parish, led by Father Gabriel Romanelli. But most residents continue to live in tents. \u201cIt is cold\u2014I felt cold\u2014so think of the children,\u201d the Cardinal said.<\/p>\n
Despite everything, \u201cI saw a desire to return to life,\u201d he noted. Shops remain closed, and the challenges are immense, yet some rudimentary stalls have appeared in tents, where fruit and vegetables are available.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe situation of famine is behind us,\u201d Cardinal Pizzaballa affirmed. Nevertheless, few Gazans can afford to purchase food. With no work and no income, the majority have no option but to rely on humanitarian assistance, which, thanks to international aid agencies, is finally arriving.<\/p>\n
A catastrophic economic situation<\/b> <\/p>\n
Economic activity has come to a halt. The Patriarch laments a \u201ccatastrophic situation,\u201d while at the same time observing a desire to recover and, for Christians, to celebrate Christmas. Since Christmas is the feast of children, the Cardinal\u2019s attention turns to them: \u201cOf course, we are concerned for the children and their future.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe number of children in the streets struck me,\u201d he continued, noting that “they should be in school.\u201d One of the priorities of the Latin Patriarchate, he added, will be to enable the resumption of classes.<\/p>\n
What the Cardinal witnessed was, for him, \u201ca lesson\u201d: the enthusiasm of the children, \u201cfull of joy, full of life\u2026 they will save our communities. I believe this,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Witnessing the hope of Christ\u2019s birth\u00a0<\/b> <\/p>\n
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