August 26th, 2010

Cardinal McCarrick and Catholic Relief Services Visit Bethlehem University

Every evening the Brothers of Bethlehem University gather for a moment of prayer, an ideal dinner, and a short period of relaxation to reflect on their day’s activities and events. On July 8th, His Excellency Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington and members of the Catholic Relief Services “Global Solidarity School Initiative program” were amongst the Brothers in what was a delightful evening of friendly conversation, a nice meal, and a brief overview about the situation in Palestine.

Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, Br. Peter Bray, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Br. Robert Smith, and Director of Instructional Technology, Br. Neil Kieffe, were honored to host such an amazing group, and expressed thanks for the great support and interest of His Excellency and CRS.

Amongst the visitors were representatives from three Catholic high schools, all of whom were an inspirational team that not only enjoyed spending the evening with the brothers on Thursday, but were also very excited to meet some of the University students the following day, Friday, July 9th.

On Friday members of the CRS group, along with the Catholic high school representatives enjoyed a more formal tour at Bethlehem University and spent some time speaking with a number of its students. A shinning smile seemed to never fade from Ms. Joan Webber from the Center for Ministry Development, and a co-author of several inspirational books on leadership and Ministry. Ms. Webber’s inspiration and charisma certainly added a sense of hope to the harsh reality of life under Israeli military occupation the students live under.

A group from Catholic Relief Services touring Bethlehem University

The group asked the students many questions and were interested in what their futures would look like in the face of Israeli occupation and received enthusiastic responses from students who believed that regardless of the checkpoints, the illegal Separation Wall cutting them from most of the other parts of Palestine, and Israeli assassination and deportation of Palestinians that they can and will work for a better future for themselves and Palestine.