On Tuesday, January 14, Br Carlos an Br. John Luke, memebers of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land Commission for Justice, peace and the Integrity of Creation visited our Terra Sancta Schools in Jerusalem and Beitanina, which is just outside Jerusalem and also our school in Jericho.
The school in Beitanina also has a department for the blind and deaf. We were moved by the commitment of the children towards ecology. They are well informed, even the youngest of them. They are enthusiastic and there is an atmosphere of peace and dialogue. Muslim and Christian children studying harmoniously together. Schools are so important in teaching coexistence and dialogue. They are an example to us.
The visit coincided with an address given by our Minister General, Father Massimo Fussarelli, speaking about the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures, which as he said is not just a beautiful piece of poetry but a living theme that teaches us about pardon and reconciliation, so much needed here in the Holy Land.
The example of these children gives hope in abundance!
Fr. John Luke
