Holy Land Coordination stalled on way to Gaza

(Vatican Radio) European and North American bishops of the Holy Land Coordination are in the Holy Land this week for their annual fact-finding mission and to demonstrate solidarity with the local Christian community.  Lydia O’Kane travelled with them Sunday to Gaza.

She sent this report:

This year the Co-ordination group of Bishops for the Holy Land wanted to highlight in particular the plight of people in Gaza and in the Cremison Valley, especially those who have experienced the effects of recent conflict. So on Sunday, the first full day of this visit we made the two-hour journey, from Bethlehem to the Erez crossing in order to gain entry to the Gaza strip. 

What followed was a lesson in the power of prayer and perseverance. While some of the 42-strong group were permitted to enter, and were by now celebrating Mass in the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza city, those Bishops and delegates who remained behind turned to prayer. Morning prayer to be exact, both spoken and sung was recited in the car park near the terminal entrance to the checkpoint on the Israeli side. It served as a powerful expression of solidarity with the people including the Christians living in Gaza and of hope that the rest of the group would also be allowed to enter.

After six hours of waiting, our prayers were answered.

While waiting at the border crossing, Lydia spoke with Anglican Bishop Christopher Chessun of Southwark, who says it is important to give witness to the hardships endured by Palestinians every day.

Listen to Bishop Chessun: