May 15, 2001

Commemorating the Feast of Saint John Baptist De La Salle, Patron of all Teachers, the Bethlehem University community, with its faculty, staff, and De La Salle Brothers, came together on Tuesday, May 15, for a day of celebrations and prayer.

Celebrations started at the University Chapel which dates back to 1903. Brother Vincent Malham, FSC, President – Vice Chancellor, welcomed the group on the Feast of John Baptist De La Salle; Patron of all Teachers. Afterwards, Brother Jean Manuel, FSC, gave the Homily in Arabic, and all 13 Christian Brothers who are on the staff of Bethlehem University renewed their vows.

Because of the strict closure, staff from Jerusalem and Ramallah were unable to arrive to the University to participate in this annual event.

After the worship, members of the Bethlehem University community attended a special Lasallian presentation, which was a videotape of the challenges facing the De La Salle Brothers at the beginning of their General Chapter in Rome. The tape was prepared by Brother Ronald Gallagher, FSC, former Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University.

During the film the noon siren went off and the group observed 3 minutes of silence commemorating Al-Nakba, as part of the general commemoration on the West Bank.

Following the film, staff members were recognized for their years of service to Bethlehem University:

Also, 4 staff members were recognized and appreciated, as they are about to retire.

Mr. Hanna Abu Sa'ed, Gardner

Mr. Anton Al-Araj, Security Guard

Mr. Mousa Darwish, Public Relations Director

Dr. Violet Fasheh, Faculty of Education
Unable to Attend Because of the Military Closure

De La Salle Day celebrations were completed with lunch in the courtyard. Following are some pictures of the Bethlehem University community during the various events that took place: