PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem

Peace in the Middle East may seem like a hopeless cause. News reports on the region often tell a grim story. There is, however, a beacon of light and hope that exists in the midst of the despair occurring in the Holy Land .

Only 500 yards from the site of the nativity, where the Blessed Mother gave birth to the savior of the world, Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem protects the sanctity of life, cares for infants and children and comforts expectant mothers. It often takes expectant mothers up to five hours to cross the border and reach the hospital. Many times they are tired and scared, and desire only to safely bring their babies into the world. For those women without the means to travel to the hospital, the staff accommodates their medical needs by operating mobile outreach clinics through the remote areas throughout the desert.

Designated by Pope John Paul II as one of his top 100 projects for the new millennium, the hospital is the pre-eminent provider of medical services in the Holy Land . Holy Family Hospital has delivered more than 41,565 infants since 1990, including 3,226 last year alone. The hospital cares for 22,000 women and children each year.

Since the Bethlehem region has no health insurance or welfare system, patient payments cover only 33 percent of the hospital's operational costs. It is through the generosity of donors that Holy Family Hospital can treat the poor people of the region who lack the means of paying for medical services.

I pray that you will find it in your heart to help bring hope to the people of the Holy Land who are suffering tremendously and ensure our Christian presence in the Holy Land . Please see the bulletin for more information on Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem.

Thank you for your time and attention today and may God bless you!