In the heart of war-ravaged Gaza, a community of less than one hundred Catholics is preparing to celebrate Christmas, their faith a flickering flame against a backdrop of widespread devastation. At the centre of this story is the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, the strip's only Catholic church, where worship continues despite the ever-present threat of rockets and gunfire.
A Sanctuary Under Fire
Father Carlos Ferrero, the church's superior, describes the perilous journey his congregation must make. "When you walk from the house to the church, you have to be careful that nothing falls on your head," he told The Independent, referencing the intense bombing and shooting that occurred just days before Christmas. The church building itself bears the scars of conflict, having survived a direct rocket strike in July 2024 that killed three people and injured seventeen, including fellow priest Father Gabriel Romanelli.
Remarkably, the cross atop the church's facade remained untouched. "That was a very big sign for us as well they couldn't break the cross," Father Ferrero stated. He recounted how the building shakes violently during nearby explosions, yet stands firm. When questioned about divine intervention, his response was simple and steadfast: "God is always there."
A Community Diminished, A Mission Transformed
The Catholic community in Gaza has shrunk dramatically. From 140 members two years ago, only about 90 remain today, within a broader Christian population that has dwindled from roughly 1,000. This decline persists despite a US-brokered ceasefire that began two months prior. "Since the agreement, every day we hear shootings and bombing," Father Ferrero explained, noting that while the intensity has lessened, the threat has not vanished.
The church's role has fundamentally shifted since the war began following the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023. It has transformed from a place of worship and education into a vital refuge, at one point sheltering up to 400 displaced people. Its renowned school was forced to close last June due to relentless bombing, with classrooms converted into cramped living quarters. Although the school has since reopened, offering a semblance of normalcy, aid into Gaza remains critically insufficient.
"The help comes in but very little," Father Ferrero said, highlighting a stark disparity. "It's not enough for the whole population... for business there are things, for buying and selling there are items, but for giving out relief it is not arriving the same way."
Christmas Hope and Papal Support
This year's Christmas celebrations are a subdued affair, a conscious effort to maintain hope. In a powerful symbol of resilience, parishioners have erected a Christmas tree at the church entrance, adorned with golden ribbons and baubles—a gesture not made last year. "We try to keep everything as normal as possible because that gives us hope," Father Ferrero affirmed. "Christmas is always Christmas."
The congregation has also drawn strength from a profound spiritual connection. During the worst of the conflict, the late Pope Francis, a vocal advocate for peace in Gaza, would call Father Romanelli every single night. His successor, Pope Leo XIV, maintains contact, albeit less frequently. "The pope is new and has so many things to deal with... But he is in touch," Father Ferrero noted.
Looking ahead, the future is shrouded in uncertainty. Father Ferrero expresses deep scepticism about the peace process, seeing little evidence of rebuilding or a move to the "second phase" of the ceasefire agreement. "We hope it will happen. We pray that it will happen... But we are not sure about the future really," he concluded, embodying the fragile hope that defines Christmas for Gaza's enduring Catholic community.
