Christmas is a time of love, renewal and peace. However, for millions of people living in countries devastated by wars and armed conflicts, these dates represent an additional challenge to believe in peace.
In places like Ukraine, Israel, Lebanon or Nigeria, Christmas traditions coexist with pain, uncertainty and the search for consolation. The work of diocesan or missionary priests becomes crucial in these contexts, offering a light of hope.
The CARF Foundation supports the integral formation of these priests, providing them with the necessary resources to serve in the future even in the most adverse conditions.
In Ukraine, Christmas comes in the midst of a war that has displaced millions of people. Families, scarred by conflict, gather underground in shelters or in partially destroyed churches to celebrate the birth of Christ. Despite the peaceless circumstances, faith continues to be a source of strength and hope.
The Father Roman Ostrovskyy, vice-rector of the Greek Catholic seminary in KievHe firmly stated: "Faith helps us to carry on in the worst days," underlining how spirituality sustains Ukrainian Christians during these times of adversity (Vatican News).
The Church in Ukraine has not only been a physical, but also a spiritual refuge. In parishes, priests not only distribute food and clothing to those affected, but above all, they offer words of comfort and celebrate Mass that renews the hope of their communities. Their work not only sustains exhausted bodies, but also dejected souls.
Holy LandThe birthplace of Christianity is facing a Christmas marked by war tensions. In Gaza, Christians are a minority struggling to maintain their traditions. Churches organize vigils with scarce resources, and nativity scenes are often made of recycled materials due to scarcity.
"Despite all this great violence, we must not forget that the message of Christmas remains, perhaps at this moment even more important than ever. God becomes flesh out of love and communicates to us a new way of being in the world, which is that of giving one's life out of love, for others." (Cardinal Pizzaballa, Christmas message 2023).
In Israel, pilgrims are decreasing due to conflicts. However, the celebrations in Bethlehem, such as the Midnight Masscontinue to be a symbol of unity and perseverance. Training priests who can lead these celebrations in the midst of adversity is a mission in which the CARF Foundation plays a fundamental role.
In Gaza, Christian families decorate small trees and attend Mass in churches surrounded by soldiers. As St. Josemaría said, "as long as I have breath left, I will not cease to preach the primordial need to be a soul of prayer, always, on every occasion and in every way. in the most disparate circumstances, because God never abandons us. It is not Christian to think of divine friendship exclusively as an extreme resource." (Friends of God, 242).
Nigeria, a country plagued by religious conflict, always experiences a Christmas full of contrasts and resilience. In the north of the country, where attacks by extremist groups such as Boko Haram have forced the displacement of entire communities, churches are transformed into strongholds of faith. Despite threats and strict security measures, Christians attend Mass with an unwavering spirit, keeping their Christmas traditions alive.
Forgiveness and prayer are their weapons against hatred. Priests in the major conflict zone organize nightly vigils so that families can gather together in prayer in an environment of relative safety. These meetings not only offer a space to worship, but also a moment of comfort and hope in the midst of adversity.
Christmas in Nigeria is not only a time for celebration, but also for reaffirming faith and unity in a society deeply wounded by war. Christian communities demonstrate that the light of Christ's birth can shine even in the darkest placesbringing comfort and strength to those who need peace the most.
Lebanon, a country deeply affected by the economic crisis and the aftermath of tragic explosions, celebrates Christmas with humility and patience. Many families decorate makeshift trees with recycled materials and prepare dinners with what little they have at their disposal, demonstrating that the true Christmas spirit transcends material adversity.
In Beirut, churches play a crucial role, organizing concerts, vigils and community activities that recall the profound meaning of these dates. "In the midst of suffering, Christmas invites us to be a light for others," said Pope Francis during his December 25, 2020 message at St. Peter's Basilica, referring to the call to open our hearts to those most in need.
Diocesan priests in Lebanon are active witnesses of this hope. Through their daily actions, they offer spiritual and material support, bringing a message of comfort and faith to communities facing uncertainty and need. Their work reinforces the importance of seeing Christ in others.
In contexts such as these, the role of priests is fundamental. They not only preside at liturgical celebrations, but also provide emotional and spiritual support. The mission of the CARF Foundation is the integral formation of seminarians and diocesan priests.ensuring that they are prepared to serve in the most adverse conditions.
Each donation to the CARF Foundation contributes directly to covering the costs of this integral formation of underprivileged diocesan priests around the world. Thanks to this work, it is possible to bring Jesus' message of peace and hope to even the most war-torn areas.
Christmas, even in places saddened by the scourge of war, remains a beacon of hope. In countries at war, Christian communities find comfort in their faith, led by committed priests facing unimaginable challenges.
The CARF Foundation invites you to be part of this mission, helping to form those who bring the peace of Christ to the world. Your support can make a difference. The joy of man is in giving, not in receiving and this is the spirit of Christmas, a spirit that allows us to share with those who need it most.
