Don't be scared. Come to Bethlehem!

Church of the Nativity

'Come to Bethlehem! Christians need the solidarity of pilgrims'. This is the message sent by Sr Donatella Lessio from the Caritas Baby Hospital of Bethlehem. In a video published on Tuesday, Sr Donatella Lessio, who has worked at the hospital for many years, says there has been a considerable drop in the number of pilgrims, from Europe especially, because people are concerned about security.

"There is nothing to fear!" Sr Donatella said. "Here everything is quiet. Here, more than anywhere else, security is not failing. As Christians, we cannot experience fear, for as St John said, "the one that carries fear cannot love."

This simple appeal is part of a campaign promoted by the Association 'Relief to the Children of Bethlehem' which supports the Baby Hospital in Bethlehem.

"Recent news coming from Israel and Palestine may frighten us, says Riccardo Friede, member of the Association, but as men and women, young and adults, we bear a vision of the world where our more pressing choices are guided by solidarity, love and peace".

"More than ever before, love and hope should override fear. More than ever before, Christians of the Holy Land need the soldiarity of their brothers and sisters in Europe."

Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem