After the restoration on 6 October, the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology of the Beit Jala seminary was inaugurated under the auspices of the Patriarch of Jerusalem for the Latins, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Also in the presence of the Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Hani Al-Haik, and a group of priests and faithful. This event is presented as a strong message of faith in these difficult times that the Holy Land is going through, highlighting the ability to build a better future despite the difficulties. FR DOTT. IYAD TWAL Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology - Seminary Institute The goal of the restoration was to believe in God's grace and to reflect it by providing the best opportunities for young people, despite the difficult circumstances, painful times and deep wounds in the Middle East as a result of the events that afflict us. So that they may grow in their priestly vocation as servants and apostles of the Holy Land, we are committed to providing young people with all the services and the best possible conditions. So that they may truly be children of this land despite all the difficulties and challenges. In the context of the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and with many inhabitants of Bethlehem having lost their livelihood, the restoration project succeeded in creating job opportunities and supporting some families in solidarity. The goal of restoration combined with the general interest of the local community. ENGINEER WISSAM SAEED Director of the ‘Ideal’ Design Office We put the work out to tender in such a way that we complete the work with whoever wins the contract, so that the contractual relationship is direct between us and the employees. Last year was a very difficult year. Even so, we managed to reach the needs of as many residents in the city as possible and help them in this difficult situation. We increased payments to workers and reduced project budgets. In this way, we maintained the quality of the work, reduced the time spent and optimised the budget. The Church Institute offers its spiritual formation to the laity and serves as a beacon of faith and knowledge for all. This year, the Beit Jala Seminary's Spiritual Formation Centre programme attracted some 140 participants. This programme reflects the Latin Patriarchate's commitment to express Christian values among members of the local community and give them the opportunity to grow spiritually and deepen their faith. FR BERNARD POGGI Rector of Beit Jala Seminary There has always been work for the laity through the priests, there is a list of 299 priests who grew up here. But today, even directly, we have opened the doors of the seminary to the laity. These innovations we have made have been based on Church guidelines, to offer the best possible education to seminary students. Not only on an academic level, but also on a human, spiritual and pastoral level, and this is integrated education. FR BERNARD POGGI Rector of Beit Jala Seminary Next week, God willing, the same centre will be opened in Jerusalem, and later an education centre will be opened in Ramallah, to offer this spiritual and religious education to the lay faithful. Spiritual concerns during war seem far removed from everyday concerns, but spiritual values are an urgent necessity to avoid wars and their evils. Read More