The Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins, HB Pierbattista Pizzaballa, visited Gaza on the occasion of Christmas. The parish priest welcomed him on December 17 at the Beit Hanoun checkpoint at the Erez crossing. HB PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins "Every year the Gaza visit is important, and this year is important as well. First and foremost to strengthen the programs of the Latin Patriarchate and to show our community that what we are doing is not just a temporary solution, but a commitment that also looks to the future." From one neighborhood to another, from one house to another, the paternal care of the patriarch manifested itself through visiting parishioners, listening and carefully observing their living conditions. HB PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins "The most beautiful moment of the visit is the meeting with the families: it is very touching, especially when you arrive at the homes of poor families, with problems... It is a very important moment for me, and seeing these people, in these situations, their strength and their unity, this gives me strength also in my service to the Catholic community of the Latin Patriarchate." During his visit, the Patriarch also met representatives of some Christian associations and institutions active in the Gaza Strip. Among them, the Missionaries of Charity, the Sisters of Mother Teresa, who are also here at the service of the poorest humanity. SALY BULBUL Gaza "These institutions serve not only Christians, but all of Palestinian society, especially the Gaza community, regardless of religion or race. Today we are here to continue to build coexistence with our Christian brothers and sisters." HB PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins "Their dedication is wonderful! Almost all of them are Muslims here, and through their love, we see how much the Muslim community loves and supports this institution, and how realities like this show everyone, in a very concrete way, what it means to be a Christian." Fr GABRIELLE ROMANELLI, ive Parish Priest of the Holy Family Parish – Gaza "As a Latin Catholic Church we have 134 faithful, but also several works open to all: three schools - the school of the Latin Patriarchate and the school of the Holy Family, and that of the Sisters of the Rosary -, a center for the formation and education of young people, hospitals, Caritas... The Sisters of Mother Teresa take care of children and the elderly with special needs, and there is also a project for the so-called "Butterfly Children" in the Gaza Strip." In the Church of the Holy Family, the children of the parish staged a play, telling the story of Christmas. This was followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree. SANDY ANTON Gaza "Our joy is still incomplete because our families are outside the Gaza Strip, in the West Bank, and we do not have the opportunity to share Christmas with them. Christmas is a time dedicated to family and faith, and this makes us feel the festive atmosphere. We also share the joy we see in our children when they participate in moments and activities that make them happy. The holiday for me is my children's joy when I see them happy. That's Christmas for us." HB PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins "We have begun a dialogue with the authorities, to allow the members of the Christian community of Gaza to reach at least the territories of the West Bank. I hope that we can find a concrete solution, and on this I am more positive than in the past." The Patriarch concluded his pastoral visit with a very well attended Mass, during which he baptized a girl from the parish. A gesture that expresses the attention and pastoral care of the Latin Patriarchate for this small but very lively community.