(ANS - Beit Gemal) - In recent days, Beit Gemal was in the news because of vandalism by unknown assailants, who struck the cemetery where the remains are buried of Salesians and Salesian Sisters who worked in that house, a former Agricultural School, for over a century. But there is much more to Beit Gemal than that.

By Don Ilario Martinelli, SDB

Beit Gemal is a holy place that preserves the memory of the first tomb of Saint Stephen the Deacon and the burial place of the Venerable Simon Srugi of Nazareth.  It is also a destination for hundreds and hundreds of Jews who visit this shrine, especially on Saturdays.  They come to meet the Salesians who gladly receive them and respond, in their language, to the questions they ask about St Stephen, about Jesus, about Don Bosco and the consecrated life. These are topics that for the Jews are part of an unknown world which is called the Catholic Church or Christianity.

Beit Gemal is a place of encounter and dialogue, simple, not too academic, but a small part of the dialogue between the Church and Judaism, that the Holy See does not tire of encouraging.  An example of this was seen recently with the publication on 10 December of "Reflections on theological issues pertaining to Catholic-Jewish relations", on the topic "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" (Rom 11.29).

"This important ministry of Jewish/Christian dialogue that takes place in Beit Gemal is a valuable space for reflection for the Holy Land” says Fr Stefano Martoglio, Councillor for the Salesian Region of the Middle East. It is a place where people can cultivate the memory of the Saints, in the tomb of St Stephen, and the Word of God. It is a testimony of peace and coexistence that is important in a land of many divisions and conflicts. The beauty of the spot helps a lot to make this a place of retreat and relaxation for the soul."

"In Jewish-Christian dialogue there is a unique and special bond, by virtue of the Jewish roots of Christianity. Jews and Christians must therefore be brothers."  This is what Pope Francis said just last Sunday when he visited a synagogue in Rome.

Published 20/01/2016