The Priest Who Stayed in Gaza: A Witness to Hope in the Ruins
By Father Gabriel Romanelli with Guillaume de Dieuleveult
Published by Sophia Institute Press
Also available as an ebook and audiobook on the Saintifi app
There are at least two sides to every story. The wars currently occuring in the Holy Land are, no doubt, complicated. One truth remains: in any war, civilians will suffer. In The Priest Who Stayed in Gaza, Father Gabriel Romanelli gives his version of the story as a priest who could’ve fled to safety but instead chose to re-enter Gaza City to join his flock. He is not bitter or resentful as he experiences unimaginable pain, loss, and suffering, and, most importantly, he does not abandon his people. This is Father Romanelli’s first hand account as a Catholic priest in the Gaza Strip in this time of war.
A Personal Account in the Style of a Diary
This book tells the true account of Father Romanelli’s life in the Gaza Strip. He is the pastor of the only Roman Catholic Church in Gaza. He has been a missionary priest in the Middle East for over 20 years, and he is there now, experiencing the war with his parishioners and their neighbors.
The book is written in the style of a diary. This is Father Romanelli’s own story. Some chapters are a few pages long, while others are shorter than a paragraph.
This is a unique book in that you can read a first-hand account of a person in the middle of a deadly, dangerous, and real conflict occuring in our world right now. The book takes the reader to into the middle of the war, and it is heartbreaking to read about the suffering of the citizens, especially the children, of Father Romanelli’s parish. At the time of the writing of this book, there was little to no fresh food to eat, barely any water or electricity, constant bombings and sniper shootings, and a collapsed medical system. However, Father Romanelli is determined to make his parish a light in the darkness. Through his own exhaustion, illness, and wounds, he is constantly trying to bring a smile – even a joke – to help those around him.
What we Can Learn from Father Romanelli
The main lesson that we can learn from Father Romanelli’s experience is how to turn towards Jesus Christ during our trials and unite our suffering with His. Father Romanellli shares various ways he tries to keep hope alive among his flock such as:
- Keeping the Sacraments accessible to them
- Daily Adoration
- Daily and constant prayer – especially as the rosary and the Divine Office
- A predictable routine and schedule – especially for the children
- Finding any ways possible to encourage and motivate those around him to keep going – keep living
I was particularly impressed with how Father and his small team persevered in keeping a routine and activities available for the children. They were able to continue the kids’ schooling and prepared the older children to complete high school. Father Romanelli was always trying to be innovative in keeping up moral.
Courage and Perseverence in a War Zone
Father Romanelli’s experience is depressing and heartbreaking to read about, his supernatural perseverence and courage in undeniable. Parts of the book had me in tears (especially reading about the brutal and sudden deaths of civilians – especially the children), but many times while reading, I was inspired by Father’s hope and faith. I will be praying for Father Romanelli and praying for all parties involved in the war(s) going on today in the world. Lord, have mercy on us!
You can find The Priest Who Stayed in Gaza, Father Gabriel Romanelli at Sophia Instutute Press.
It is also available on the Saintifi App.
