Friends and supporters of Bethlehem University gathered on Saturday, 15 November 2025, at Seamus Heaney HomePlace in an event titled “An Evening of Solidarity and Hope,” which was an devoted to support the University’s educational mission and the students it serves. The HomePlace, known for honouring the challenges and quiet strengths that shape human experience, offered a thoughtful setting for conversations about higher education in the Holy Land and the role it plays in sustaining stability, opportunity, and hope for young people.
The gathering was made possible through the dedication of Sir John Bosco O’Hagan, a member of Bethlehem University’s Board of Regents, and his wife Teresa. Their long-standing commitment to the University has opened opportunities for many students, and their hospitality ensured that the event carried a sense of warmth and welcome from the outset.
Guests arrived to the music of harpist Nollaig Brolly as clergy, community leaders, neighbours, and long-time friends of the University filled the hall. The ease and familiarity in the room reflected a friendship that has grown steadily over many years.
Father Timothy Bartlett, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s in Belfast City Centre, opened the gathering with a reflection that resonated deeply. Drawing on the carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” he reminded those present that Bethlehem University stands in the very town where that story continues each day, not in the past, but in the lives of students working toward a better future through education.
Bishop Donal McKeown, Catholic Bishop of Derry, followed with warm and thoughtful remarks on the value of education for communities facing uncertainty. He highlighted the mission of Bethlehem University as a source of direction, stability, and opportunity for students and their families.
Brother Hernán Santos, FSC, Vice Chancellor, spoke with the quiet intensity of someone who carries the daily reality of Bethlehem with him. Drawing on Seamus Heaney’s line, “If we winter this one out, we can summer anywhere,” he described the uncertainty facing students and families back home. He spoke of young people who navigate checkpoints, fear, and grief before they ever reach the classroom, yet still choose to learn with determination and dignity. Their perseverance, he noted, is a daily lesson in courage. He thanked Sir John Bosco O’Hagan and the wider community in the North of Ireland for standing with Bethlehem University at a time when hope feels fragile, affirming that such friendship strengthens the entire University community.
A short video presentation offered guests a glimpse into student life at Bethlehem University, its classrooms, its programmes, and the resilience shaping its community.
Writer Michael Kelly, long connected to the Holy Land, spoke briefly about the significance of pilgrimage and the responsibility it creates to stand with the communities living in Bethlehem today. He affirmed Bethlehem’s importance as both a spiritual centre and a living town where families continue to persevere.
Brother Jack Curran, FSC, PhD, KHS, Vice President for Advancement, then shared reflections rooted in the long story of Irish solidarity with Bethlehem University, from the early presence of the Irish De La Salle Brothers in Bethlehem to today’s growing network of friends across Ireland. He described advancement as the work of walking with students in moments of uncertainty, noting that each scholarship carries a message that a young person’s life and future matter. He highlighted the weight borne by families today and spoke of how support from Ireland has eased burdens and allowed students to continue their studies during an exceptionally difficult year. His reflection centred on hope, shared responsibility, and the belief that accompaniment changes lives.
Ms. Shahinda Nassar, Advancement Office Manager, offered a reflection shaped by her experience as a Palestinian Christian witnessing the daily reality faced by students. He described Bethlehem University as a place where young people regain stability, dignity, and confidence. Her remarks introduced the recorded message of a scholarship recipient, whose voice carried both hardship and remarkable courage, offering a powerful reminder of the human stories behind every act of solidarity.
The afternoon then shifted to a moment of cultural celebration with a traditional Palestinian Dabkeh dance, bringing energy, pride, and joy to the hall, a reminder of the heritage and spirit carried by the communities the University serves.
Brother Hernán then offered Bethlehem University’s thanks to Sir John Bosco O’Hagan, speaking on behalf of the University’s faculty, staff, and students. He expressed deep appreciation for Sir John’s generosity, leadership, and friendship, and presented him with a plaque of appreciation, a gesture carrying the gratitude of the entire Bethlehem University community.
Ms. Nassar added a brief acknowledgement, noting that people like Sir John and Teresa O’Hagan leave a legacy of love in a troubled world, a legacy felt by every student whose path is eased by their kindness.
Conversation continued warmly afterward as attendees reflected on the voices and messages shared throughout the gathering and connected with the delegation in a spirit of genuine partnership.
