2024 Spring Reception Inspires Hope

A special reception was hosted for BUF donors and Board Members, Thursday, April 11 by Most Reverend Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations at the Catholic Center of the Archdiocese of New York.

The Archbishop expressed his gratitude to the Christian Brothers, the BUF Board, University, and donors for providing education to young people in Palestine. He shared “the gratitude of the Catholic Church, the Pope, and Holy See for your support–it’s very, very important endeavor which gives hope, which gives a future, and also strengthens our faith.” He believes that even within today’s current environment of war and violence in the holy Land that “education is a tool for the future, is hope, and also could bring peace.”

Brother Hernán Santos, FSC, PhD, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University was the special guest speaker and shared his experience of being in Bethlehem since the early fall via an interview with James Howell, BUF’s executive director. He shared that a recent priority are the students in Gaza, especially those whose educational institute has been destroyed. He would like to be able to provide an opportunity for those students to continue their studies.

He also noted that “Bethlehem University means a lot to the students.  . . . the students love being on campus, there is a sense of freedom, there is a sense of being taken care of, it’s not just the academic part, but the human part of the education.”

The reception was a significant moment for BUF to thank its donors for the support they provide, be it through financial contributions, introductions to others, or encouragement and prayer during these most difficult days.