BETHLEHEM UNIVERSITY

I don’t think any of us realized the sacred space of struggle we would soon enter upon arriving at the University of Bethlehem, which is run by the Christian Brothers.  It is also a place of hope, energy, empathy, communication, and exchange.  Our group pressed in through the narrow gate into a beautiful, vibrant campus.  The first thing one might notice is there are mostly women here, 70% to be exact.  The next thing is that most of them are Muslim, around 70 %.

                We met a group of students who gave us a tour of the campus starting with the Chapel.  It contained a scheme of bright colors, on the walls were murals of children, over each child was the name, all of them Christian martyrs.  The stained glass windows were quite exquisite, having been restored by a French artist.  The altar was composed of a rare Algerian marble flourished with many light colors and designs.  Next we visited the library, which seemed short on books; they are reportedly very difficult to collect.  We noticed a hole in the wall caused by a tank shell shot during a military conflict.  The Librarian was eager to share with us her experience of struggle living in Palestine.  I think hearing these personal stories was a shock to us, but it brought a strong sense of empathy.

                The highlight, after watching a documentary on the university, was our dialogue with 10 of the students, boys and girls, Muslims and Christians, and us seminarians; it was a great chance to ask questions and hear their testimonies.  We could relate to them because they were like any college students one would meet in the states, with hopes and dreams, immersed in the vivacity of college learning and formation.  The difference for some of us is the story of struggle, humiliation, fear, walls and military conflict.  However, with a diverse seminary as our own, there are some of us who know these things all too well.  So it was a point of solidarity in suffering but also the hopeful voice of encouragement.

                As future pastors our hearts were wounded along with them. The desire to comfort and love springs naturally from the prayerful heart.  We take this memorable and insightful experience in prayer and recognize its power to form and shape us.  We will meet similarly wounded people in our parishes and the heart formed in compassion will now be better able to respond.  This place is a beacon because learning dispels prejudice and strengthens one in critical thinking.  The interfaith bonds and understanding can heal old wounds.  We were all very touched by the experience.  God bless the Christian Brothers for the work they do and providing education to some of the most challenging regions.