Gaza’s Only Catholic Church Damaged in an Attack

Cars and other parts of the complex were also damaged. The parish complex has run out of fuel, depriving the community of electricity and stable communications. “Only a miracle prevented a big catastrophe from happening to us,” a local correspondent told ACN.

Early in the morning of Tuesday, December 12, the foundation was also informed of the presence of an unexploded rocket just on the parish boundary. “Imagine the level of trauma among the children and all the people there in case it explodes, now it is impossible to dismantle it unless the Israeli army itself intervenes,” the local source said.

While the situation in Gaza becomes more dramatic every day, thousands of Christians in the Holy Land have already benefited from ACN-provided support, including meals, food coupons, rent payments or utility bills, and medical supplies.

Christians Lose Everything in Gaza

A Christian from Gaza says he was devastated to see the almost complete destruction of his apartment. He is currently housed in the Church complex. “The support provided to sustain our lives during this time of need is very much appreciated.”

Most of the Christian population, which numbered only around 1,000 souls at the start of the conflict, has taken refuge in the Catholic parish, where ACN funds have been used to purchase medicine for those with chronic illnesses, and ingredients to make meals.

Another Christian recalls that, “on the 27th day of the war, word was received that our neighborhood was attacked. . . and the whole building was completely demolished and there was nothing remaining. Everything we owned, including all my childhood memories, has become history. . . The next day, I took the key off my keychain, as I no longer needed it to go home!”

The Invisible Church

Part of the financial aid provided by ACN is also going to the Vicariate for Migrants and Asylum Seekers (VMAS), sometimes known as the “Invisible Church” in the Holy Land. This is a very large community, composed of up of 100,000 people of at least eight different nationalities. Many of them lived and worked very close to the border with Gaza, and were deeply affected by the outbreak of violence in October, having had to relocate with no prior warning. ACN funding is being used to host them in Christian homes, including monasteries and guest houses.

“With the war entering its third month in Gaza, and with few visible signs of improvement, we will continue to assist the Christian community in the Holy Land, hoping to secure its survival in the land where the Church began,”  explains Marco Mencaglia, director of projects at ACN International.