Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Francis, a sheep of
your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen. #PopeFrancis

There are good folk in the world!

Since many of our thoughts are turning to the Holy Land this weekend, I wanted to praise the work of St John Eye Hospital, mending the eyes of children without regard to ethnicity, religion, or ability to pay, in the middle of a horrible conflict. 

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/...

The appeal of which I am a tiny part, aiming to help kit out a new day clinic in Nablus, is now just shy of £55,000.

I wanted to share a few more photographs from our recent dinner for the St John Eye Hospital, and praise all those who took part in the charity auction, and the broader appeal.

And most of all, this Easter triduum, I want to loudly praise all those who carry out the day-to-day work of the St John Eye Hospital and its satellite clinics, tirelessly saving the sight of children in the Holy Land.

The feared total breakdown in Gaza seems to be upon us now. Dr Fadel Naim. Surgeon at our Al Ahli Hospital has issued a desperate emergency appeal for ACTION. This still seems to fall on deaf ears.

Missiles may have destroyed much of our hospital in Gaza but let it be known that we are not defeated. Already our staff are clearing up and finding ways to get the damaged facilities up and running again. They really are unstoppable.

36 members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews have signed an open letter protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. They say they ‘cannot turn a blind eye or remain silent’ any longer. It’s worth reading in full.

It was a poignant evening, gathering last night on the edge of the Garden of Gethsemane praying on Maundy Thursday. Like Jesus we pray that this cup of suffering will pass. But to pray is to protest and to sing is to defy. We turn from the darkness towards the light.

Hallelujah, Christ is risen! Al Masih Qam! هللويا المسيح قام

This year all parts of the Church celebrate Easter together. So, Holy Fire in Jerusalem is a celebration of the miracle of Christ’s resurrection for all Christians. Hallelujah, Christ is risen! Al Masih Qam! Christos Anesti!