by Lourdes Garcia &Sr. Cecilia Sierradesde – Al Lazaria, Palestina
In the heart of the Holy Land, a silent crisis is testing the resilience of thousands of families. Since the publication of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, the reality of communities in the Judean Desert has become increasingly challenging.
We unite with the Church during the Season of Creation, embracing the theme “To Hope and Act with Creation.” Inspired by Isaiah’s words, “The desert will flourish” (Isaiah 35:1-10), our mission in the Judean Desert embodies this call to bring life and hope to desolate places.
Since 1966, we have served in the Holy Land, working across the Israel-Palestine divide. Under the shadow of the Separation Wall, our mission in Bethany and Al Azareya nurtures hope in vulnerable communities. Sister Maria Gonzalez reports: “In the West Bank, we support Jahalin Bedouins through educational initiatives, empowering women, and planting trees to address socio-economic marginalization and foster socio-ecological justice.”
The families living in these areas often face harsh conditions and conflict. As a result, they fall prey to the challenges of climate change and socio-economic marginalization. In response to this crisis, the Comboni Sisters are implementing various initiatives to offer spiritual, psychological, and material support to these families, being a consoling presence of God in their sufferings.
“We offer educational programs to community members and create awareness about integral ecology, aiming at the transformation of hearts,” explains Sister Maria. “Our tree-planting initiative is a powerful act of resistance, hope, and mission.”
The initiative to plant 1,500 trees across 14 Bedouin villages began in October 2023, with the next phase planned for October 2024. This effort not only combats climate change but also supports communities facing harsh conditions and conflict, reflecting our commitment to a just and compassionate world.
Meanwhile, the situation in the broader Holy Land region remains equally concerning. Excessive political tensions, lack of resources, and socio-economic challenges are destroying the treasure of this sacred land in an irreversible way.
Prayer Intention:
“We thank You, our Creator God, for the precious gift of Mother Nature, our common home with all its diversity, which sustains us with everything we need. We pray for the desert’s flourishing and the resilience of Bedouin communities. Inspired by St. Daniel Comboni, may our actions bring hope and life to the vulnerable, responding to the cries of the earth and the poor, as envisioned in ‘Laudato Si’.”
Action:
- Learn about the situation in the Holy Land and share these stories.
- Support organizations working for peace, justice, and environmental preservation in the region.
- Reflect on our own consumption habits and how they might impact vulnerable communities in conflict zones.
In conclusion, while the Holy Land continues to struggle with political tensions and environmental challenges, the work of the Comboni Sisters and environmental defense groups reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility of making the desert flourish. Through care for the earth and its people, they are demonstrating that the message of Laudato Si’ is not just a theory, but a daily practice of hope and rebirth. Download the prayer book