News from the Parish in Gaza

The parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza, Fr Gabriel Romanelli, has renewed his appeal for urgent humanitarian assistance, warning that the situation in the Strip has deteriorated to the point where even the word “disastrous” is no longer sufficient to describe it.

“When people say the situation here is disastrous, believe me: it really is disastrous — if anything, it calls for an even stronger word,” the Argentine-born priest says in a video message shared by the parish’s social media channels and in remarks to the Italian Catholic news agency SIR. Fr Romanelli describes a daily struggle in which even short journeys have become increasingly difficult. Most of the parish’s vehicles are no longer usable because spare parts are unavailable.

“We even took the battery from one car to keep another running,” he explains. The only vehicle still in operation, used by the priests, recently came close to breaking down because of degraded engine oil and a diesel fuel system that had become almost completely clogged. Fuel, he says, is both scarce and prohibitively expensive, with diesel costing around 13 US dollars per litre. At the same time, many people have turned to improvised fuel made by processing recycled plastic and nylon.

“I don’t know exactly how the process works,” he says, “but many people tell me they are producing diesel from recycled plastic. The problem is that it is extremely poor-quality fuel,” risking serious damage to vehicles and generators. The crisis has become so severe that Fr Romanelli even considered replacing the parish’s vehicles with a donkey-drawn cart. But that option, too, is now beyond reach.

“I was told that a donkey now costs about 50,000 shekels, between 16,000 and 17,000 dollars,” he says. “Before the war, one cost between 1,000 and 2,000 shekels.” The priest stresses that transport is essential for daily life, allowing people to reach hospitals, schools and workplaces, and to visit the sick and deliver humanitarian aid.

“Gaza is not so small that everything can be done on foot,” he says, noting that countless roads have been destroyed during the conflict. Among the few encouraging developments, Fr Romanelli points to reports that the Israeli government has given initial approval for an international force linked to the Board of Peace to enter the Rafah area. “That would at least be a first step,” he says. Even so, Fr Romanelli insists that the greatest need remains support for Gaza’s civilian population. “People are living with nothing,” he says. “Reconstruction is certainly essential, but so too are all the basic necessities of everyday life.”

Parish Laudato Si’ Group

The Parish Laudato Si’ Group will be meeting next Saturday, 8 August, at 4.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall. There is a warm welcome to anyone who would like to come and join in, as we discern ways to help our parish to care for the environment, our common home, in accordance with the teaching of the Church.

Hall Cleaner

We are looking to hire a cleaner at St Boniface, Cullompton, for 3 hours a week at £13.45 an hour. Please contact recruitment@prcdtr.org.uk for the job description and application form.

Fr Jonathan Bielawski RIP

The Requiem Mass for Fr Jon Bielawski, the parish priest of the parishes of Crownhill Plymouth and Yelverton and the diocesan lead for evangelisation and catechesis, will be celebrated on Thursday 27 August at 12noon in the Cathedral in Plymouth. A Vigil Mass will also be celebrated at 6.00pm at the Cathedral at 6.00pm on Wednesday 26 August. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Understanding Abuse – Free Training Day for All

A free training day, hosted by the Diocese of Plymouth Safeguarding Team and delivered by FearFree, will be held on Saturday 26 September, 10.00am-4.00pm, at St Boniface House, Ashburton. The training offers an opportunity to develop your understanding of abuse and the support available for those affected. It may be beneficial for anyone wishing to strengthen their knowledge and confidence in this important area of ministry and safeguarding. It will also provide an opportunity for anyone who may be interested in volunteering as part of our forthcoming Chaplaincy for Survivors initiative to express an interest in the role and to meet members of the Diocese Safeguarding Team in person. Attendance at this training will be a prerequisite for anyone wishing to apply or volunteer for the Chaplaincy for Survivors role, as it forms an important part of the foundation knowledge and preparation for the position. If you are interested in attending, please find the booking information and event details here and see the attached poster.

Adoremus – The Third National Eucharistic Congress

The third National Eucharistic Congress will take place in London on Saturday 10 October. The Principal Mass will be celebrated at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, followed by a procession to Westminster Cathedral, with a Vigil of Adoration from Midnight to 6.00am. If you would like to be one of our 50 diocesan delegates, please contact Fr Chris Findlay Wilson on 01202 746539.

Magnificat

Magnificat has become a valued companion for Catholics seeking to deepen their participation in the Mass and their daily prayer life. Through the daily readings, reflections, Morning and Evening Prayer, meditations, and spiritual writings, it helps parishioners engage more fully with the liturgy and the teachings of the Church. Whether for regular Mass-goers, readers, catechists or those returning to the practice of the faith, Magnificat provides spiritual nourishment throughout the year. To learn more or subscribe, please visit thecatholicherald.com/magnificat.

Retrouvaille England and Wales

Is your marriage in a rut? Do you need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. The next dates are 2-4 October. Please go to  www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info  for more information or ring 07887 296983.