“The Holy Father wanted to impart his blessing to everyone – reports Sister Nabila Saleh who spoke directly with the Pontiff – he assured us that we are in his prayers”. “We offer our sufferings for the end of the war, for peace, for the Church and also for the Synod”.
“The Pope assured us that we are in his prayers and that he knows the suffering we are going through.” Sister Nabila Saleh tells Agency Sir with emotion about the Pope’s phone call to the Latin parish in Gaza. She spoke to Francis: “Father Yusuf called me and gave me his telephone number so that I could speak directly with the Pontiff, since he does not speak Italian well”.
Continuously praying the Rosary
“The Holy Father,” explains the nun, “wanted to know how many people are housed in the parish facilities. There are about 500, including the sick, families, children, the disabled, and people who have lost their homes and every possession. It was a great blessing to be able to talk to him. He gave us courage and support in prayer. We asked him to make an appeal for peace, and we also told him that we offer our sufferings for the end of the war, for peace, for the needs of the Church, and also for the ongoing work of the Synod. Our parishioners were very happy, they know that the Pope works for peace and for the good of the Christian community in Gaza”.
How are you living these dramatic hours?
The situation is very difficult, but we support each other. There is sharing in all things. People accept this situation and ask the Lord to end it soon.
Do people not lose hope and continue to pray for peace at this time?
Yes, with faith, with great faith. We learn from them. Every day we have two Masses. We also always pray the rosary with the children and their families. Last night we participated in Sunday Mass with the baptism of a child: the mother was afraid that something bad might happen and asked to have her child baptised. It was a moment of spiritual resurrection and rebirth for all of us.
What is the situation in these hours?
Last night we experienced a very difficult time with bombardments that lasted all night. We didn’t even sleep for five minutes until this morning.
And in the morning today, the shelling continued?
Only until eight o’clock, now the situation is quieter. Occasionally some warplanes pass by, but it’s nothing compared to last night.
Is there an appeal you would like to make through our microphones on behalf of the parishioners of Gaza?
We want peace because war is not good for anyone, We want an end to this very harsh war. So many people have lost their loved ones, their homes and everything they have. We demand justice: justice and peace. The Palestinian people also have a right to live. We ask not to chastise the population because of a fanatical group. And then we ask that you pray for us.
Paolo Ondarza – Noticias del Vaticano
