By Sr. Norma More DC

In the strife-torn Holy Land, Filipino missionary Sr. Norma More, dc, together with her companions of different nationalities, strives to look after the handicapped children from each of the three religious communities – Jewish, Muslim, Christian – which make up the population of Palestine. St. Vincent’s Home, amidst present political and racial disharmony, in its own way bears witness to God’s call to peace. Sr. Norma tells us about their trials and joys. (Ed.)

St. Vincent’s Home is one of the places in Israel where one can just be himself irrespective of creed, race, nationality and political ideologies. Yesterday evening was one of the several celebrations that gave concrete evidence to this. One of the employees who has worked here for many years was leaving for good. A thank you party was held in the garden and it was attended by almost all of the personnel including the sisters and some of the children. Everybody danced to the sound of the tamtam, Jews and Arabs alike plus the volunteers from different countries. There was a deep joy radiating from each and everyone present. For me, it wasn’t just an ordinary gathering, it very much resembled that of a “Messianic Banquet”.

How odd because taking place a short distance away were air strikes and bombardments, which normally could keep people out of their homes and mess up celebrations like this.

El Aqsa Intifadeh

Sad to say that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or what the latter called the El Aqsa Intifadeh which started in September is escalating rather than winding down. The suicide bombing attacks on innocent civilians, air strikes and bombardments are claiming scores of victims on both sides. The economic sufferings in the Palestinian territories due to closures and unemployment is widely felt, not to mention the psychological pains due to insecurities and loss of loved ones. There are very few tourists and pilgrims coming to the Holy Land, hence the hotels in the country and the religious hostels are almost always empty.

Dignity Robbery

Ein Kerem is a quiet place and far from the “danger areas” but we are not spared here at St. Vincent’s. Fewer volunteers are coming to help from abroad. When there is a complete closure of roads our Palestinian employees couldn’t come to work. The quality of the children’s care is affected, and those who stay are overworked. When our volunteers and employees go out for outing by themselves or with the children we always worry for their safety. When there are roadside shootings and kidnappings the parents of the children couldn’t come either to visit them. At the heart of this long conflict is the social injustice and violation of human dignity.

Jesus, nonviolent peacemaker

Many attempts have been made by the political leaders to negotiate peaceful and workable solutions but they always failed. It is clear that military force is not able to stop violence; it only perpetuates it, breeding and nurturing hatred. We will not always know what political strategy is the best. Jesus however is the ultimate example of the nonviolent peacemaker. He never mimics the violence and injustice that he is trying to change.

Our own person, our gift to others

The thank you party we had showed that we still have this ability to celebrate brotherhood even in the midst of conflict. Hopefully those present will share that same spirit of deep joy among their neighbors. In the struggle for justice and peace our true weapons as Christians here in this divided land are not ideology and guns, but lit candles, hope, personal integrity, charity and prayer. We must have a reverent awareness of the needs of our neighbors. We have to find God for them through our loving service, our compassion, and understanding. It is when we live in the presence of this God who is always present in us, that our life will be a gift to God and a gift to others.