June 24th is the onomastico, the name day, of St. John and of people with a name deriving from that, such as Joan! An onomastico is a big occasion here, often more important than a birthday, and there will be celebrations throughout Italy today – festivities for people and churches and even organizations that might have John in their name. It will be a joy to celebrate my name day with my friends at ORP, and to thank the Lord for the decades that the three men have given to the priesthood – 150 years total!

A HOLY LAND GRADUATION: CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS, GROWING AND LEARNING TOGETHER

Yesterday I gave you a glimpse into life at Bethlehem University, the first university in the West Bank, and a look at some of the graduating class of 2009. I also told you about two of the women graduates, describing their stories – and the many I left untold – as Profiles in Courage. I did not have photos of Marcelle or Raphaela yesterday but did receive some this morning through the kindness of Elias Halabi of the university’s PR office.

I also heard from Bro. Jack Curran, vice-president for development, who told me, “It was a great blessing for the faculty and staff of Bethlehem University to witness the graduation of the largest class ever in our 35-year old history as the only Catholic university in the Holy Land. It is also a tremendous tribute to the thousands for friends and benefactors who join with the more than 11,300 alumni of Bethlehem University in supporting the university.”

“In this graduation ceremony,” he added, “we witnessed Muslims and Christians together learning and growing in their faith and character, people of competence and accomplishment in their chosen academic and professional fields of study who are poised to bring about a future full of hope, justice, and peace in the Holy Land. Blessing and prayers of gratitude to all our friends, benefactors, and alumni of all faith traditions.”

One of the stories I highlighted yesterday was that of Raphaela Fischer Mourra, who earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from BU in 2007, and in June of this year completed her Masters in Journalism from Georgetown University with highest honors. Thanks to the financial support of a generous donor to Bethlehem University, she enrolled in Georgetown University, got her degree and, like other BU graduates before her, she will return to Bethlehem University as a faculty member in August 2009 to help develop a journalism program.

Here is a photo of Raphaela at graduation.

Here is one with her husband and daughter.

My second profile in courage yesterday was the story of Marcelle Kuttab Khoury for whom last Friday’s graduation in Bethlehem was the culmination of a 20+ year journey to pursue her bachelors degree. She began classes at Bethlehem University in 1987. Then the first Intifada began, and Israeli military closed the University for three years. She returned when it reopened in 1990, but the continuing turmoil and life’s circumstances intervened, and Marcelle withdrew almost two years into her four-year Business Administration program. After many vicissitudes – and marriage and a family finally, on June 19, 2009, Marcelle realized the dream she began in 1987!

Here is Marcelle with her family:

A story I did not tell yesterday was that of Rawan Liddawi, a biology major and valedictorian of this year’s graduating class. Rawan was supported financially in her studies as a Brother Joseph Neary Scholar funded by the LINE District community of Christian Brothers. The first member of her family to graduate from university, she too says that the University students and faculty were a kind of family. For Rawan it is the practical application of her studies that have been her favorite part of her Bethlehem University experience.

As part of new course requirements for her minor in medical technology, Rawan completed a 72-hour practicum at Caritas Baby Hospital (the one Pope Benedict visited in May) in Bethlehem. In a profile on the university website, Rawan said of her training, “It was nice to see and be involved in the actual work which included blood and microbiology testing, “not just in regular class time inside the University.”

Rawan, who hopes to pursue a master’s degree in medical technology or genetic diagnosis, believes that “The most important thing is not just to reach…but to maintain a high level of education…and then when you get there, to reach some more. I know that Bethlehem University is not the end of a road, but the beginning of a new road.”

Dr. Adnan Shqueir, Biology Department Chair, hopes Rawan’s road will eventually lead her back to the University. He would be happy, he said, for his student who “always looks for perfection” to be a member of the BU faculty.

There are so many wonderful and inspiring stories of graduates at Bethlehem University, just as there are each year in colleges and universities throughout the world. What is touching and moving and especially inspiring in these stories are the great obstacles that most of BU’s students had to overcome each and every day at the university, from finances and checkbooks to checkpoints.

There are more stories to tell – but not today. Stories such as the tale of the two Mohammads who are graduates of Bethlehem University and are serving as Occupational Therapists in Bethlehem and at Mercy Corps in Gaza, thanks to the generous support of the Sisters of Sion in Jerusalem, the Sisters Mercy in Ireland, the Jesuits of Ireland, the Equestrian Order USA Western Lieutenancy, and many other donors who support BU’s Gaza Student Initiative.

God bless – see you tomorrow!

Write to Joan at:
joansrome@ewtn.com