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Peace and Non-violence in Holy Land, Francis of Assisi and Franciscans
St Francis of Assisi went to Holy Land in the thirteenth century and fell in love with the place because it was holy place, holy ground. In fact it is not only holy land for Christians but also for Jews and Muslims. Any violence and blood-shed in the Holy Land is blasphemous to the holiness of Palestine. In those days of violence in the time of the Crusade, Francis started a tradition of non-violence and dialogue to make peace. Ever since, Franciscans had a mission of ministering to pilgrims in the Holy Land.
At the moment of conflict, the following are to be noted:
The Friars and Sisters of the besieged religious community in Bethlehem CANNOT BE CONSIDERED AS HOSTAGES. They have freely chosen to remain in that place, the custody of which has been entrusted to them by the Holy See and which constitutes their home. The other 200 Palestinians besieged inside the Basilica have taken refuge there by force in order to flee from the sweep and search by the Israeli army, just as had happened to the 5 Italian journalists during the first day of the siege. Up to now they have not committed any act of violence or abuse of power against the religious community.
In the peacemaking spirit of St Francis , we ask for AN IMMEDIATE HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION: supplies of food and water to be allowed in to the church. Since yesterday evening, the supplies of water and food have run out; the removal of the body of the young Palestinian killed has not been permitted; it is not possible to provide suitable care to the other gravely wounded Palestinian; the supply of electric power, available in adjacent buildings, has been cut off from the Franciscan Convent alone; permission has been denied to enter the "Casa Nova", a structure for the reception of Pilgrims and an integral part of our Convent; it is feared that special forces of the Israeli Army are already in position inside.
While expressing the most absolute condemnation of every act of violence – from whichever side it comes from – we confirm our solidarity with all those who suffer as a consequence of the serious conflict taking place. In order to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe, a pointless spilling of blood, which would inevitably lead to a worsening of the hatred between the parties, WE URGENTLY REQUEST that the Palestinians be allowed to leave the building of the Nativity, guaranteeing them their life and thus permitting our Communities to take up their work of pacification once again. Such a solution would open up a fresh glimmer of hope for dialogue, the only way to procure a civilised co-existence between Israelis and Palestinians and which would guarantee an honourable way out to all parties concerned.
The whole world is watching with attention that which is happening in the Place where Jesus Christ , Prince of Peace, was born. Millions of men and women are waiting for the renewal of the miracle of new life that overcomes all thoughts and actions of death. We continue to receive moving testimonies of solidarity with our brothers, who are facing up with admirable balance to the difficulties associated with the dramatic situation in which they live.
Let us continue to pray and work for peace in Terra Santa, to safeguard and holiness of the Land which we call Holy.
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國際方濟 Franciscans International
香港天主教正義和平委員會
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This page is updated on 2007-12-26 更新
本網頁由方濟會（小兄弟會）中華之后會省及孟高維諾會區贊助。www.ofm.org.tw and www.ofm.org.hk