The Hazboun family of Bethlehem embodies a story of unwavering faith and unlimited giving. Grandfather Abdullah Hazboun left an indelible mark on the town's memory with his generous donation to build and design the entrance to the Church of the Milk Grotto, which is located a stone's throw from the Church of the Nativity. His successor, Kamal Hezboun, built the ‘Palestinian Church’ in the Beit Sahour shepherds' camp of the Holy Land Guard as part of a project to build ten churches on the site. However, as fate would have it, Kamal Hezboun moved to the heavenly glories before he could see it. NAYEF MAWJ Representative of the late donor Kamal Hezboun for the Palestinian Church of Bethlehem Although the sum to be donated was relatively small compared to the expenses required to build a church, I decided to ask the donor Kamal Anton Hezboun first. I thought he might like the idea of completing his grandfather's steps and donating a larger sum. I called him and he expressed his total willingness to build this church, which would be an important project for the towns of Bethlehem and Beit Sahour. Br TONY CHOUCRY, ofm Bursar of the Custody of the Holy Land It is perhaps the first church in the nation donated by a Palestinian. This church stands out because it reminds us of the good news that the pastors preached to the people of this country and then spread throughout the world. The Palestinian Church is a testament to the people's deep faith in God, their attachment to their land and the message that has been conveyed to them ever since, and their close relationship with the Custody of the Holy Land. On 27 September, in the Palestinian Church of the Shepherds' Field, the Custody of the Holy Land celebrated the third and seventh funeral Mass for the late donor Kamal Anton Hezboun. The bursar of the Custody of the Holy Land, Brother Tony Choucry, presided over the mass. In his homily, he recalled the virtues of the deceased for building bridges of love, not just of stone, stating that strong faith makes the earth live as it makes hearts live. ROXSANA HANDAL Bethlehem God have mercy on my uncle Kamal Hazboun, who was born and spent his childhood in Bethlehem, the cradle of Jesus Christ, glory be to Him. It is a pity that he could not come to the inauguration and see this church, but this is God's will. This church is still a reminder of him, and we must all continue the path that Kamal took for his people, his country, his nation and his city of Bethlehem. Br TONY CHOUCRY, ofm Bursar of the Custody of the Holy Land I think about how someone can become rich with the material things he has left here? Certainly not; he will be rich with the things that will last long, such as his kindness and the good reputation he will leave behind. The Lord asks: For you, who am I? This church, built by the benefactor Kamal Hazboun, offers a clear answer to this question and its expression: God is the King of our lives. Through this church, the benefactor Kamal invites people all over the world to renew their faith in God and their trust in Him. Read More