Archbishop Fouad Twal expresses appreciation for the work of those who seek to alleviate the suffering of refugees. In his "Letter of solidarity," he adds his voice to Benedict XVI, for the "cessation of all violence." And hope that the warring parties have, "the courage of dialogue and negotiation."

Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - Spiritual closeness and prayer for those who lend "generous service" to the poor, sick and needy, and "appreciation" for the testimony of " fraternal charity". This is what the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal underlines in a "Letter of solidarity for the suffering in Syria" written on January 24 last. He says that the Syrian people are living "the tragedy of the Cross" and can only find light in "Our Lord." Joining to Benedict XVI, the Patriarch calls for the "cessation of all violence" and "the courage of dialogue and negotiation."

In one year, about 600 thousand Syrians - including tens of thousands of Christians - have crossed the borders with Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. In the latter there are more than 300 thousand refugees. The country has responded by creating camps equipped enough for less than half of the people. According to government figures, at least two thousand refugees have crossed the border in recent weeks. To welcome them and give aid and comfort,  are the Comboni Sisters among others, who are working in particular way to help many pregnant women or mothers of young children (see AsiaNews 23/01/2013 Comboni Sisters aid 10 thousand Syrian refugees in the Jordanian desert). To them, as well as all the Christian victims of the war, the Patriarch of Jerusalem launches this appeal for solidarity and spiritual closeness.

To all the religious communities, all the priests, all those who assist in Syria, risking their person, their generous service to the poor, to the suffering, the wounded, to those in need of help, we express our heartfelt spiritual closeness, our solidarity in prayer, and all our appreciation for the tireless witness of charity and fraternal concern in the midst of desolation and in such difficult circumstances.

We are aware that Syria and its people are living in this tragic hour the drama of the Cross that can find light only in the Cross and Passion of our Lord. Our voice is raised in intercession for the dead and in defense of the living, of those who continue to remain in their land and to those refugees who have lost everything and had to leave their country. The drama of one and the other is very great - as I could feel during my recent pastoral visit to Mafraq in northern Jordan - and cannot leave us indifferent. So long, too long this situation continues. Our greatest humiliation and suffering lies in feeling powerless and unable to intervene to immediately put an end to the violence and to further help the victims.

Our appeal for cessation of all violence, and to arm ourselves instead with mercy, mercy and compassion towards our suffering Syrian brethren, and to join with the Holy Father, Benedict XVI continuing to ask, along with him, the prayer for peace so that "in the various conflicts, the ignoble massacres of unarmed civilians cease, that all violence would end, and that we find the courage for dialogue and negotiation".

I appeal to those who can intervene to finally facilitate a constructive dialogue, because surely there is a way out, if we have the courage and the will to undertake it for the sake of peace and not for other interests.

May the Most Holy Mary intercede with her Son for these intentions.

†Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch

In the name of AOCTS

 

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