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Coordinates: 31°31′26.70060″N 34°27′7.17494″E / 31.5240835000°N 34.4519930389°E / 31.5240835000; 34.4519930389
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{{short description|Only Catholic parish in Gaza}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox church
{{Infobox church
| name = Holy Family Church
| name = Holy Family Church
| native_name = كنيسة العائلة المقدسة
| fullname =
| native_name_lang = Arabic
| other name =كنيسة العائلة المقدسة
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| image = Holy_Family_Church_in_Gaza.jpg
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| location = [[Gaza City]]
| coordinates = {{coord|31|31|26.70060|N|34|27|7.17494|E|display=title}}
| country = Palestine
| denomination = [[Catholic Church]] ([[Latin Church]])
| website =
| functional status =
| archdiocese = [[Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem]]
| archbishop = [[Pierbattista Pizzaballa]]
| pastor = Gabriel Romanelli [[Institute of the Incarnate Word|<small>IVE</small>]]
}}
The '''Holy Family Church''' ({{lang-ar|كنيسة العائلة المقدسة }}) of [[Gaza City]] is the only [[Catholic Church|Catholic church]] in the [[Gaza Strip]], [[State of Palestine]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-12-19 |title=Patriarch Twal visits parishioners of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza |url=http://en.abouna.org/en/content/patriarch-twal-visits-parishioners-holy-family-catholic-church-gaza |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228040712/http://en.abouna.org/en/content/patriarch-twal-visits-parishioners-holy-family-catholic-church-gaza |archive-date=28 December 2018 |access-date=2016-05-17 |website=Abouna.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-09 |title=Holy Family Parish in Gaza 'small but strong in faith' |url=http://www.archivioradiovaticana.va/storico/2016/01/09/holy_family_parish_in_gaza_small_but_strong_in_faith/en-1199892 |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=[[Vatican Radio]] Archive}}</ref> The parish includes a school which provides a Christian education to children in Gaza, and it works closely with the nearby religious congregations of the [[Missionaries of Charity]], [[Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Palestine – Servants of the Lord the Virgin of Matará |url=https://ssvmusa.org/index.php/missions/foreign-missions/palestine/ |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=[[Institute of the Incarnate Word#Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará|SSVM]] |language=en-US}}</ref> and the [[Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas|Rosary Sisters]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-09-15 |title=Une visite à la paroisse de Gaza |url=http://fr.lpj.org/2009/09/15/una-visita-alla-parrocchia-di-gaza/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530155424/http://fr.lpj.org/2009/09/15/una-visita-alla-parrocchia-di-gaza/ |archive-date=2016-05-30 |access-date=2016-05-17 |website=[[Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem|Patriarcat latin de Jérusalem]] |language=fr}}</ref> The Missionaries of Charity care for the elderly and disabled,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-07-20 |title=The strength of the Church in Gaza: living hope in the midst of chaos |url=https://www.lpj.org/posts/the-strength-of-the-church-in-gaza-living-hope-midst-chaos-5e47405d262aa.html |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=[[Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem]] |language=en}}</ref> and the Rosary Sisters operate a school.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-06-15 |title=The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Visits Rosary's Sisters School in Gaza (Photos) |work=The Palestine Chronicle |url=https://www.palestinechronicle.com/the-latin-patriarch-of-jerusalem-visits-rosarys-sisters-school-in-gaza-photos/ |access-date=2023-10-16}}</ref> The community is served by priests from the [[Institute of the Incarnate Word]].
[[File:Holy Family Church in Gaza City (Catholic Church) - interior.jpg|left|thumb|Sanctuary and altar of the church|229x229px]]


== History ==
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In 1974, the [[Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem]] founded the Holy Family school, which has over 1,200 students. In 2000, the Rosary Sisters founded another school (kindergarten and elementary) which has around 500 students.{{When|date=December 2023}} The schools provide education to children regardless of religion, and many local Muslims send their children to the schools.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gaza Parish - Holy Family Church |url=https://www.lpj.org/diocese/gaza-parish.html |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=[[Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
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From 1995 to 2009, [[Manuel Musallam]], a noted Palestinian peace activist, was parish priest of the Holy Family community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manoel Musallam |url=https://www.lpj.org/diocese/fr-manuel-musallam.html |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=[[Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2007, the Rosary Sisters' convent was looted and vandalized by unknown perpetrators. When asked about Muslim-Christian relations in Gaza after the attack, Musallam said that relations were excellent, and that Muslims in the community had promised to help repair the damage.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |date=2007-06-19 |title=Gaza priest slams barbaric attack against Sisters of the Rosary |url=https://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=9601&size=A |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=[[AsiaNews]] |publisher= |language=en}}</ref>
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| priestincharge =Gabriel Romanelli
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During the [[2014 Gaza War]], the parish school and the pastor's office were partially destroyed by an Israeli airstrike aimed at a nearby house.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-07-29 |title=Bombing near the Catholic parish in Gaza. School devastated |url=http://www.fides.org/en/news/36168-ASIA_HOLY_LAND_Bombing_near_the_Catholic_parish_in_Gaza_School_devastated#.VznGFGhX8dU |access-date=2016-05-17 |website=[[Agenzia Fides]]}}</ref>
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[[File:Holy Family Church in Gaza City (Catholic Church) - entrance to the compound.jpg|thumb|246x246px|Entrance to the Holy Family compound]]
| student intern =
In 2021, the Catholic community in the Gaza Strip consisted of 133 people. The Rosary Sisters' school was damaged by an Israeli airstrike during the [[2021 Israel–Palestine crisis]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sudilovsky |first=Judith |date=2021-05-12 |title=In Gaza, tiny Catholic community tries to stay in touch during airstrikes |url=https://www.ncronline.org/news/gaza-tiny-catholic-community-tries-stay-touch-during-airstrikes |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=[[National Catholic Reporter]] |language=}}</ref>
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=== 2023 bombardment of Gaza ===
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{{See also|Killing of Naheda and Samr Anton}}
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During the [[2023 Israel–Hamas war]], the church, school, and convents have sheltered several hundred refugees,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robbins |first=Claire Porter |date=2023-10-14 |title=Inside Gaza's Last Catholic Parish |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2023/10/gaza-evacuations-catholic-parish/675639/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014213411/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2023/10/gaza-evacuations-catholic-parish/675639/ |archive-date=2023-10-14 |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=[[The Atlantic]]}}</ref> including Christian families whose homes were destroyed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-12 |title=The state of our parish in Gaza amidst the war |url=https://www.lpj.org/posts/the-state-of-our-parish-in-gaza-amidst-the-war.html |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=[[Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burger |first=John |date=2023-10-12 |title=Gaza Strip Christians taking refuge in only Catholic church |url=https://aleteia.org/2023/10/12/gaza-strips-christians-taking-refuge-in-areas-only-catholic-church/ |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=[[Aleteia]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Villar |first=Julieta |date=2023-10-10 |title=Pastor of only Catholic church in Gaza: 'Never have we seen things like this time' |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255629/pastor-of-only-catholic-church-in-gaza-never-have-we-seen-things-like-this-time |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=[[Catholic News Agency]]}}</ref> On 9 October, [[Pope Francis]] called the parish priest, Gabriel Romanelli [[Institute of the Incarnate Word|<small>IVE</small>]], to offer prayer for the Christian community of Gaza. At the time, Romanelli was stranded in [[Bethlehem]] and unable to return to Gaza due to the war.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brockhaus |first=Hannah |date=2023-10-10 |title=Pope Francis Calls Gaza Priest as Israel Announces Blockade |url=https://www.ncregister.com/cna/pope-francis-calls-gaza-priest-as-israel-announces-blockade |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=[[National Catholic Register]]}}</ref> On 16 October, Pope Francis called Yusuf Asaad [[Institute of the Incarnate Word|<small>IVE</small>]] and Nabila Saleh [[Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará|<small>SSVM</small>]], both serving at Holy Family, to offer more support for the faithful of Gaza.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wooden |first=Cindy |date=2023-10-17 |title=Pope Francis calls nuns and priest in Gaza's only Catholic Church as bombing continues |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/10/17/pope-francis-call-catholic-gaza-246308 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018030745/https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/10/17/pope-francis-call-catholic-gaza-246308 |archive-date=2023-10-18 |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=[[America (magazine)|America]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ondarza |first1=Paolo |last2=Watkins |first2=Devin |date=2023-10-17 |title=Pope Francis calls Catholic faithful of parish in Gaza - Vatican News |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-francis-phone-call-parish-holy-family-gaza-interview.html |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=[[Vatican News]]}}</ref> On 4 November, the Rosary Sisters' school was destroyed when it was targeted by an Israeli air strike.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-04 |title=Catholic school in Gaza hit by Israeli air strike |url=https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2023/11/04/catholic-school-in-gaza-hit-by-israeli-air-strike_958be1b4-d652-470f-b94e-62fed53dac76.html |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=[[Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata|ANSA]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Balog |first1=Amy |last2=Lozano |first2=Maria |date=2023-11-09 |title=Gaza: Christian homes and Catholic school among buildings destroyed |url=https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/48446 |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=Independent Catholic News}}</ref> As of 1 December, Romanelli, still unable to return to Gaza, reported that 600 people were sheltering in the church. He also thanked Pope Francis and [[Pierbattista Pizzaballa|Patriarch Pizzaballa]], and said that the pope had called the Holy Family parish daily.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pinedo |first=Peter |date=2023-12-06 |title='These are very hard times': Pastor of Gaza Catholic church gives update on Christians' plight |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256192/these-are-very-hard-times-pastor-of-gaza-catholic-church-gives-update-on-christian-s-plight |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=[[Catholic News Agency]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crux |first=Elise Ann Allen |date=2023-12-06 |title=Gaza parish priest laments entering Advent amid the tragedy of war |url=https://catholicherald.co.uk/gaza-parish-priest-laments-entering-advent-amid-the-tragedy-of-war/ |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=[[Catholic Herald]]}}</ref> On 11 December, [[Aid to the Church in Need]] (ACN) reported that the church had been damaged by shrapnel from Israeli airstrikes, which destroyed solar panels, water tanks, and other buildings in the parish complex. ACN also reported that the parish has run out of fuel, cutting off most communication.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Balog |first1=Amy |last2=Lozano |first2=Maria |date=2023-12-11 |title=Gaza Catholic church damaged by airstrike |url=http://acnuk.org/news/holy-land-gaza-catholic-church-damaged-by-airstrike/ |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=[[Aid to the Church in Need]]}}</ref> British-Palestinian MP, [[Layla Moran]], who has family members sheltering there, has stated, "I fear my family under siege by Israeli forces in a church in Gaza will not survive until Christmas, between the snipers and the lack of water."<ref>{{Cite web |title=British-Palestinian MP fears Gaza family will 'not survive until Christmas' |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/war-gaza-british-palestinian-mp-fears-family-not-survive-christmas |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref> Media outlets have reported that around 650 [[Palestinian Christians]] have used the church as a refuge since the start of the war.<ref>{{Cite web |last=London |first=Reem Fatthelbab ــ |date=2023-12-19 |title=Who are the Catholics of Gaza? |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/who-are-catholics-gaza |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=www.newarab.com/ |language=en}}</ref>
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On 16 December, [[Killing of Naheda and Samr Anton|Naheda and Samr Anton]] were killed by gunfire in the church compound. The [[Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem]] said: “Nahida and her daughter Samar were shot and killed as they walked to the Sister’s Convent. One was killed as she tried to carry the other to safety. Seven more people were shot and wounded as they tried to protect others inside the church compound. No warning was given, no notification was provided. They were shot in cold blood inside the premises of the Parish, where there are no belligerents.”<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Berger |first1=Miriam |last2=Bellware |first2=Kim |date=2023-12-16 |title=IDF kills two women taking shelter at Gaza church, Catholic authorities say |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/16/women-killed-at-holy-family-parish-gaza-israel |access-date=2023-12-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217012816/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/16/women-killed-at-holy-family-parish-gaza-israel/ |archive-date=2023-12-17 |isbn= |oclc=2269358}}</ref> The Patriarchate said the shooter was "a sniper of the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]]".<ref>[https://twitter.com/LPJerusalem/status/1736057252086268025/photo/2 Statement by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem], 16 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.</ref> The incident was widely reported<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-12-16 |title=Israeli Snipers Kill Mother, Daughter Sheltered in Holy Family Church |url=https://www.palestinechronicle.com/israeli-snipers-kill-mother-daughter-sheltered-in-holy-family-church/ |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=Palestine Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-16 |title=Two women killed in Israeli attack on Holy Family parish in Gaza - Vatican News |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2023-12/in-gaza-israelis-attack-holy-family-parish-two-women-killed.html |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=[[Vatican News]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dying, injured Palestinians besieged in Gaza church by Israeli soldiers: Analyst |url=https://aje.io/cvvtyk?update=2572547 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=23 December 2023}}</ref> and condemned by church figures including [[Pope Francis]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=McDougall |first=A. J. |date=2023-12-18 |title=Pope Sounds Off After Israeli Sniper Kills 2 at Catholic Church in Gaza |language=en |work=[[The Daily Beast]] |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/pope-francis-laments-israeli-snipers-killing-of-mother-and-daughter-in-gaza-church |access-date=2023-12-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McCordick |first=Jack |date=2023-12-17 |title="It is Terrorism": Pope Francis Denounces Killing of Two Christian Women in Gaza |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/pope-francis-israel-gaza-deaths |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |language=en-US}}</ref> and the [[Archbishop of Westminster]], [[Cardinal (Catholic Church)|Cardinal]] [[Vincent Nichols]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Birrell |first=Donna |date=December 17, 2023 |title=Cardinal Vincent Nichols expresses horror at 'callous' killings in Gaza's Catholic Church compound |url=https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/cardinal-vincent-nichols-expresses-horror-at-callous-killings-in-gaza-s-catholic-church-compound |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=[[Premier Christian Radio]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2023-12-18 |title=Cardinal condemns 'cold–blooded' killing of two women in Gaza church |language=en-GB |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/18/women-mother-daughter-gaza-church-israel-cardinal-vincent-nichols |access-date=2023-12-18 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The [[Israel Defense Forces|Israeli military]] said it had not targeted the church.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 December 2023 |title=IDF refutes claim it targeted sole Catholic church in Gaza after 2 women said killed |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-refutes-claim-it-targeted-sole-catholic-church-in-gaza-after-2-women-said-killed/ |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=The Times of Israel}}</ref> Following an investigation, the IDF alleged that [[Hamas]] had fired an RPG from the vicinity of church, and that IDF soldiers had fired back and hit Hamas spotters. The Catholic Church has maintained no Palestinian belligerents were in the area, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a fiery rebuke, stating the woman had been "intentionally targeted" and "killed “in cold blood.”<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-21 |title=IDF again denies killing mother and daughter at Gaza church, cites Hamas fire in area |work=The Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-again-denies-killing-mother-and-daughter-at-gaza-church-cites-hamas-fire-in-area/}}</ref><ref name=wapo>{{Cite news |last1=Berger |first1=Miriam |last2=Bellware |first2=Kim |date=2023-12-16 |title=IDF kills two women taking shelter at Gaza church, Catholic authorities say |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/16/women-killed-at-holy-family-parish-gaza-israel |access-date=2023-12-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217012816/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/16/women-killed-at-holy-family-parish-gaza-israel/ |archive-date=2023-12-17 |isbn= |oclc=2269358}}</ref>
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The '''Holy Family Church'''<ref>[http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/01/09/holy_family_parish_in_gaza_small_but_strong_in_faith/1199892 Holy Family Parish in Gaza 'small but strong in faith']</ref> ({{lang-ar|كنيسة العائلة المقدسة }}) It is the only Latin (Roman) Catholic parish in [[Gaza City]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.abouna.org/en/content/patriarch-twal-visits-parishioners-holy-family-catholic-church-gaza|title=Patriarch Twal visits parishioners of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza|website=en.abouna.org|access-date=2016-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fides.org/en/news/36168-ASIA_HOLY_LAND_Bombing_near_the_Catholic_parish_in_Gaza_School_devastated#.VznGFGhX8dU|title=Agenzia Fides News|website=www.fides.org|access-date=2016-05-17}}</ref> in the [[Gaza Strip]] in the [[Palestinian Territories]]. His pastor since 2012 is Father Jorge Hernández of the Congregation of the Incarnate Word, assisted by a vicar also the same institution. His parishioners are among some two hundred faithful. It has two primary and secondary schools, property and Jerusalem Latin Patriarchate, plus some clinics.


=== 2024 bombardment of Gaza ===
The parish receives the support of the Sisters of Charity of [[Mother Teresa]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fr.lpj.org/2009/09/15/una-visita-alla-parrocchia-di-gaza/|title=Une visite à la paroisse de Gaza|date=2009-09-15|website=Patriarcat latin de Jérusalem|access-date=2016-05-17}}</ref> and the Sisters of the Incarnate Word (also present in Bethlehem, Jaffa and Egypt) and the Rosary Sisters. They take care of the sick, disabled, elderly, regardless of their religion.
On 7 July 2024, an Israeli airstrike targeted Holy Family Catholic School, killing four people sheltered there, including Palestinian Deputy Labor Minister [[Ihab al-Ghussein]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-07 |title=Senior official killed in Israeli strike, Hamas say |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce93qvvzzx0o |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=[[BBC]] |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=7 July 2024 |title=Deputy Hamas labor minister reported killed in Israeli airstrike in Gaza |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/deputy-hamas-labor-minister-reported-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-in-gaza/ |access-date=7 July 2024 |work=[[The Times of Israel]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-07 |title=Directly Hit by a Plane - Deputy Labor Minister in Gaza Killed by Israeli Airstrike |url=https://www.palestinechronicle.com/directly-hit-by-a-plane-deputy-labor-minister-in-gaza-killed-by-israeli-airstrike/ |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=[[Palestine Chronicle]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The attack was condemned by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.<ref>{{cite news |last= Zengarini|first= Lisa|date= 7 July 2024|title= Patriarchate of Jerusalem decries raid on Catholic school in Gaza|url= https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2024-07/patriarchate-jerusalem-decries-raid-on-catholic-school-in-gaza.html|work= [[Vatican News]]|location= [[Vatican City]]|access-date= 7 July 2024}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Church of Saint Porphyrius]], the Greek Orthodox church of Gaza City
*[[Roman Catholicism in the Palestinian territories]]
*[[Gaza Baptist Church]], the Protestant church of Gaza City
*[[Holy Family Church (disambiguation)]]
*[[Holy Family Church, Ramallah]], Catholic church of the same name in the West Bank
*[[Catholic Church in Palestine]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{commons category}}
{{coord missing|Gaza Strip}}
{{Gaza City|state=collapsed}}
{{Religious Sites in the Palestinian Authority|state=collapsed}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Holy Family, Church}}
[[Category:Churches in the Gaza Strip]]
[[Category:Churches in the Gaza Strip]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic churches in the State of Palestine]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic churches in the State of Palestine]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Gaza City]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures in Gaza City]]
[[Category:Zaytun Quarter]]

Latest revision as of 00:14, 23 July 2024

Holy Family Church
كنيسة العائلة المقدسة
Holy Family Church
Map
31°31′26.70060″N 34°27′7.17494″E / 31.5240835000°N 34.4519930389°E / 31.5240835000; 34.4519930389
LocationGaza City
CountryPalestine
DenominationCatholic Church (Latin Church)
Administration
ArchdioceseLatin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Clergy
ArchbishopPierbattista Pizzaballa
Pastor(s)Gabriel Romanelli IVE

The Holy Family Church (Arabic: كنيسة العائلة المقدسة) of Gaza City is the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, State of Palestine.[1][2] The parish includes a school which provides a Christian education to children in Gaza, and it works closely with the nearby religious congregations of the Missionaries of Charity, Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará,[3] and the Rosary Sisters.[4] The Missionaries of Charity care for the elderly and disabled,[5] and the Rosary Sisters operate a school.[6] The community is served by priests from the Institute of the Incarnate Word.

Sanctuary and altar of the church

History

[edit]

In 1974, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem founded the Holy Family school, which has over 1,200 students. In 2000, the Rosary Sisters founded another school (kindergarten and elementary) which has around 500 students.[when?] The schools provide education to children regardless of religion, and many local Muslims send their children to the schools.[7][8]

From 1995 to 2009, Manuel Musallam, a noted Palestinian peace activist, was parish priest of the Holy Family community.[9] In 2007, the Rosary Sisters' convent was looted and vandalized by unknown perpetrators. When asked about Muslim-Christian relations in Gaza after the attack, Musallam said that relations were excellent, and that Muslims in the community had promised to help repair the damage.[8]

During the 2014 Gaza War, the parish school and the pastor's office were partially destroyed by an Israeli airstrike aimed at a nearby house.[10]

Entrance to the Holy Family compound

In 2021, the Catholic community in the Gaza Strip consisted of 133 people. The Rosary Sisters' school was damaged by an Israeli airstrike during the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis.[11]

2023 bombardment of Gaza

[edit]
See also: Killing of Naheda and Samr Anton

During the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, the church, school, and convents have sheltered several hundred refugees,[12] including Christian families whose homes were destroyed.[13][14][15] On 9 October, Pope Francis called the parish priest, Gabriel Romanelli IVE, to offer prayer for the Christian community of Gaza. At the time, Romanelli was stranded in Bethlehem and unable to return to Gaza due to the war.[16] On 16 October, Pope Francis called Yusuf Asaad IVE and Nabila Saleh SSVM, both serving at Holy Family, to offer more support for the faithful of Gaza.[17][18] On 4 November, the Rosary Sisters' school was destroyed when it was targeted by an Israeli air strike.[19][20] As of 1 December, Romanelli, still unable to return to Gaza, reported that 600 people were sheltering in the church. He also thanked Pope Francis and Patriarch Pizzaballa, and said that the pope had called the Holy Family parish daily.[21][22] On 11 December, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) reported that the church had been damaged by shrapnel from Israeli airstrikes, which destroyed solar panels, water tanks, and other buildings in the parish complex. ACN also reported that the parish has run out of fuel, cutting off most communication.[23] British-Palestinian MP, Layla Moran, who has family members sheltering there, has stated, "I fear my family under siege by Israeli forces in a church in Gaza will not survive until Christmas, between the snipers and the lack of water."[24] Media outlets have reported that around 650 Palestinian Christians have used the church as a refuge since the start of the war.[25]

On 16 December, Naheda and Samr Anton were killed by gunfire in the church compound. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said: “Nahida and her daughter Samar were shot and killed as they walked to the Sister’s Convent. One was killed as she tried to carry the other to safety. Seven more people were shot and wounded as they tried to protect others inside the church compound. No warning was given, no notification was provided. They were shot in cold blood inside the premises of the Parish, where there are no belligerents.”[26] The Patriarchate said the shooter was "a sniper of the IDF".[27] The incident was widely reported[28][29][30] and condemned by church figures including Pope Francis[31][32] and the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols.[33][34] The Israeli military said it had not targeted the church.[35] Following an investigation, the IDF alleged that Hamas had fired an RPG from the vicinity of church, and that IDF soldiers had fired back and hit Hamas spotters. The Catholic Church has maintained no Palestinian belligerents were in the area, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a fiery rebuke, stating the woman had been "intentionally targeted" and "killed “in cold blood.”[36][37]

2024 bombardment of Gaza

[edit]

On 7 July 2024, an Israeli airstrike targeted Holy Family Catholic School, killing four people sheltered there, including Palestinian Deputy Labor Minister Ihab al-Ghussein.[38][39][40] The attack was condemned by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.[41]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Patriarch Twal visits parishioners of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza". Abouna.org. 19 December 2015. Archived from the original on 28 December 2018. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  2. ^ "Holy Family Parish in Gaza 'small but strong in faith'". Vatican Radio Archive. 9 January 2019. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  3. ^ "Palestine – Servants of the Lord the Virgin of Matará". SSVM. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  4. ^ "Une visite à la paroisse de Gaza". Patriarcat latin de Jérusalem (in French). 15 September 2009. Archived from the original on 30 May 2016. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  5. ^ "The strength of the Church in Gaza: living hope in the midst of chaos". Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. 20 July 2018. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  6. ^ "The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Visits Rosary's Sisters School in Gaza (Photos)". The Palestine Chronicle. 15 June 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  7. ^ "Gaza Parish - Holy Family Church". Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  8. ^ a b "Gaza priest slams barbaric attack against Sisters of the Rosary". AsiaNews. 19 June 2007. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  9. ^ "Manoel Musallam". Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  10. ^ "Bombing near the Catholic parish in Gaza. School devastated". Agenzia Fides. 29 July 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  11. ^ Sudilovsky, Judith (12 May 2021). "In Gaza, tiny Catholic community tries to stay in touch during airstrikes". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  12. ^ Robbins, Claire Porter (14 October 2023). "Inside Gaza's Last Catholic Parish". The Atlantic. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  13. ^ "The state of our parish in Gaza amidst the war". Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. 12 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  14. ^ Burger, John (12 October 2023). "Gaza Strip Christians taking refuge in only Catholic church". Aleteia. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  15. ^ Villar, Julieta (10 October 2023). "Pastor of only Catholic church in Gaza: 'Never have we seen things like this time'". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  16. ^ Brockhaus, Hannah (10 October 2023). "Pope Francis Calls Gaza Priest as Israel Announces Blockade". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  17. ^ Wooden, Cindy (17 October 2023). "Pope Francis calls nuns and priest in Gaza's only Catholic Church as bombing continues". America. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  18. ^ Ondarza, Paolo; Watkins, Devin (17 October 2023). "Pope Francis calls Catholic faithful of parish in Gaza - Vatican News". Vatican News. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  19. ^ "Catholic school in Gaza hit by Israeli air strike". ANSA. 4 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  20. ^ Balog, Amy; Lozano, Maria (9 November 2023). "Gaza: Christian homes and Catholic school among buildings destroyed". Independent Catholic News. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  21. ^ Pinedo, Peter (6 December 2023). "'These are very hard times': Pastor of Gaza Catholic church gives update on Christians' plight". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  22. ^ Crux, Elise Ann Allen (6 December 2023). "Gaza parish priest laments entering Advent amid the tragedy of war". Catholic Herald. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  23. ^ Balog, Amy; Lozano, Maria (11 December 2023). "Gaza Catholic church damaged by airstrike". Aid to the Church in Need. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  24. ^ "British-Palestinian MP fears Gaza family will 'not survive until Christmas'". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  25. ^ London, Reem Fatthelbab ــ (19 December 2023). "Who are the Catholics of Gaza?". www.newarab.com/. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  26. ^ Berger, Miriam; Bellware, Kim (16 December 2023). "IDF kills two women taking shelter at Gaza church, Catholic authorities say". The Washington Post. OCLC 2269358. Archived from the original on 17 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  27. ^ Statement by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, 16 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  28. ^ "Israeli Snipers Kill Mother, Daughter Sheltered in Holy Family Church". Palestine Chronicle. 16 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  29. ^ "Two women killed in Israeli attack on Holy Family parish in Gaza - Vatican News". Vatican News. 16 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  30. ^ "Dying, injured Palestinians besieged in Gaza church by Israeli soldiers: Analyst". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  31. ^ McDougall, A. J. (18 December 2023). "Pope Sounds Off After Israeli Sniper Kills 2 at Catholic Church in Gaza". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  32. ^ McCordick, Jack (17 December 2023). ""It is Terrorism": Pope Francis Denounces Killing of Two Christian Women in Gaza". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  33. ^ Birrell, Donna (17 December 2023). "Cardinal Vincent Nichols expresses horror at 'callous' killings in Gaza's Catholic Church compound". Premier Christian Radio. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  34. ^ Sherwood, Harriet (18 December 2023). "Cardinal condemns 'cold–blooded' killing of two women in Gaza church". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  35. ^ "IDF refutes claim it targeted sole Catholic church in Gaza after 2 women said killed". The Times of Israel. 18 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  36. ^ "IDF again denies killing mother and daughter at Gaza church, cites Hamas fire in area". The Times of Israel. 21 December 2023.
  37. ^ Berger, Miriam; Bellware, Kim (16 December 2023). "IDF kills two women taking shelter at Gaza church, Catholic authorities say". The Washington Post. OCLC 2269358. Archived from the original on 17 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  38. ^ "Senior official killed in Israeli strike, Hamas say". BBC. 7 July 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  39. ^ "Deputy Hamas labor minister reported killed in Israeli airstrike in Gaza". The Times of Israel. 7 July 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  40. ^ "Directly Hit by a Plane - Deputy Labor Minister in Gaza Killed by Israeli Airstrike". Palestine Chronicle. 7 July 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  41. ^ Zengarini, Lisa (7 July 2024). "Patriarchate of Jerusalem decries raid on Catholic school in Gaza". Vatican News. Vatican City. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
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