On June 13th, 2023, a group of 31 family members of the Franciscan Boys Home in Bethlehem embarked on a transformative seven-day trip to Croatia. For some of these people, who have faced immense challenges and hardships in their lives, this journey marked their first experience of traveling abroad. Despite the obstacles that initially seemed impossible, divine intervention paved the way, allowing this group to embark on an unforgettable adventure.

The group had the opportunity to explore five major cities during their visit to Croatia, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s rich history and vibrant culture. From the bustling streets of Zagreb to the stunning coastal city of Dubrovnik, and the captivating islands of Šolta, Čiovo and Drvenik Mali, everyone was immersed in the beauty of this Mediterranean paradise.

During the journey, two birthdays were joyously celebrated, bringing an extra touch of happiness to the trip. Laughter became a constant companion as new friendships were formed and memories created.

The Croatian people opened their hearts and embraced the group from the Franciscan Boys Home in Bethlehem with an abundance of generosity and love. Their kindness and welcoming nature left a huge mark on the boys’ hearts, creating a profound connection between strangers turned friends. The strong presence of Catholicism in the country further strengthened the spiritual bond shared by the visitors and the local community.

The success and smooth execution of this trip would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of fra Sandro, who worked diligently around the clock to ensure every aspect was meticulously planned and executed. The exchange of gifts and the collective contributions from everyone involved made each day a wonderful celebration of joy and unity.

On June 19th, the trip concluded, with every member of the group returning home safely. The memories created during their time in Croatia will forever hold a special place in their hearts. 

The memories and generosity shared during the time in Croatia will forever be cherished, reminding these boys that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and kindness to be found.

Special Thanks to Our Beloved Supporters:

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals and organizations who played a pivotal role in making our trip to Croatia an extraordinary and life-changing experience:

Ivan Tolj – Styria:

Your unwavering support and dedication made this trip possible. We are immensely grateful for your commitment to our cause and your efforts in ensuring a smooth and memorable journey for each and every one of us.

Ivan Vlaho – Zagrebačka Banka (Zagreb Bank):

Your generosity and assistance provided invaluable resources and financial support, allowing us to embark on this transformative adventure. We’re really thankful for your unwavering support.

Ivan Čulo – Hrvatska Pošta (Croatian Post):

Your contribution and logistical support were instrumental in the success of our journey. Your commitment to our group and your tireless efforts behind the scenes did not go unnoticed, and we are profoundly grateful for your dedication. Thank you for helping us coming with our boys to your amazing homeland.

Davor Ljubić – G-tour Međugorje:

Your expertise and guidance in organizing our visit to Međugorje left an indelible mark on our souls. The spiritual journey we experienced under your guidance will forever be cherished, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.

Kolak family – Zagreb

Thank you so much for inviting us to stay in the warmth of your home. We enjoyed every morsel of food you served us and every single moment we got to spend with your lovely family. We truly appreciate the invaluable experience we had at your home. Thank you so much.

Father Zlatko Pavetić – Diocese of Zagreb:

Your warm welcome and spiritual guidance nurtured our souls and provided us with a profound sense of peace during our time in Zagreb. Your generosity and support touched our lives deeply, and we are grateful for the spiritual nourishment you provided.

Father Ante Vranković – Diocese of Split:

Your kindness and hospitality of your family during our visit to Split left an everlasting impression on our hearts. Your dedication to serving others and your commitment to spreading love and compassion exemplify the true spirit of humanity. We extend our sincere thanks for your warm embrace.

Zdenka Vranković:

Your unwavering support and guidance during the day we went rafting on river Cetina and tireless efforts in ensuring our comfort and well-being throughout the journey were truly remarkable. Your caring nature and attention to detail created a nurturing and inclusive environment for all, and we are deeply appreciative of your selfless dedication.

Father Vedran Torić – Rector of Diocese Seminary in Split:

We extend our gratitude for your warm welcome and insightful guidance during our visit to the Diocese Seminary in Split. Your commitment to education and nurturing young minds left an indelible mark on our journey, and we are grateful for the wisdom you imparted.

Father Josip Lebo – Rector of Classical Gymnasium in Dubrovnik:

Your hospitality and the warm reception we received at the Classical Gymnasium in Dubrovnik made us feel like part of a larger family. 

Cable Car Dubrovnik:

We extend our appreciation to the Cable Car Dubrovnik for providing us with an unparalleled view of the magnificent city. Your generosity and support allowed us to create lasting memories and experience the beauty of Dubrovnik from a unique perspective.

Mato Franković – Mayor of Dubrovnik:

Your warm welcome and support for our group left an indelible mark on our hearts. Your commitment to promoting tourism and creating a welcoming environment for visitors exemplify the true spirit of hospitality. We extend our sincere thanks for your kindness.

Lukša Jakobušić – Director of HNK Hajduk Split:

Your generous support and hospitality during our visit to HNK Hajduk Split made our trip even more memorable. Your dedication to sports and the community is truly inspiring, and we express our heartfelt gratitude for the unforgettable experience you provided.

Mepas Hotel Mostar:

We would like to express our gratitude to the Mepas Hotel Mostar for their exceptional hospitality and warm welcome. 

Sister Andrea Matijaš – Head of the Sisters of Mercy in Dubrovnik:

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sister Andrea Matijaš for her kindness and generosity during our visit in Dubrovnik. Your dedication to serving others and your compassionate spirit touched our lives, and we are grateful for the love and care you showed us.

Mex Cantina Bona Fide Dubrovnik

Thank you for welcoming us for lunch during a long day spent in your amazing and historic city of Dubrovnik.

Krka National Park:

We would like to thank Krka National Park for allowing us to experience the breathtaking beauty of nature. 

Grand Restaurant Gastro Zadar:

We express our appreciation to the Grand Restaurant Gastro Zadar for their exceptional service and delectable cuisine. 

Dijana Vican – Rector of the University of Zadar:

We extend our gratitude to Dijana Vican for her warm welcome and insightful guidance during our visit to the University of Zadar. Your commitment to education and fostering intellectual growth inspired us, and we are thankful for the knowledge and wisdom you shared.

Father Mirko Rubić – Okrug Gornji – Čiovo:

We express our heartfelt thanks to Father Mirko Rubić for his welcoming spirit during our visit to Okrug Gornji Čiovo. Your dedication to serving others and your words of wisdom provided us with a renewed sense of hope and faith.

Elisabeth Tomić – Rotary Club Split:

We extend our gratitude to Elisabeth Tomić and the Rotary Club Split for their unwavering support and commitment to our group. Your dedication to community service and making a positive impact in the lives of others touched our hearts, and we are deeply appreciative of your kindness.

Fra Domagoj Runje:

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Fra Domagoj Runje for his guidance during our visiti in Split.

Vesela Mrđen Korać – Croatian Ambassador in Tel Aviv

Thank you for all the help and love you have for our home. Without you for sure we wouldn’t be able to realise this trip. We are deeply appreciative of your kindness and all the help before and during our unforgettable trip.

Lovorka and Tomislav Šimičević – Spokeswoman of Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs in Croatia and Head of the Office of Croatian Parliament

From the first day we were organizing this historic trip, you were our support in all the means possible. Your help will be always appreciated and you helped us with you expertise in majority of the organization of almost all the visits. The assistance you’ve provided me on multiple occasions has been invaluable.

To each and every person and organization mentioned above, and many more who were working behind the scenes, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support, generosity, and kindness during our trip to Croatia. Your contributions and dedication made a profound impact on the lives of the boys from the Franciscan Boys Home in Bethlehem, creating cherished memories that will be treasured forever. Your selflessness and commitment to making a difference serve as a shining example of compassion and humanity, and we are forever grateful for the love and generosity you shared with us. May your kindness continue to inspire and bless the lives of others in immeasurable ways.

The family of the Franciscan Boys Home in Bethlehem concluded the first part of it’s summer camp of 2023. The camp activities included many educational activities and field visits such as a visit to Al-Maskoubiya Church (Balutat Ibrahim), Ibrahimi Mosque, porcelain and glass factories, and a tour in the old city of Hebron. These activities were organized by the Arab League for Literature, Culture and Arts the Palestinian Branch. There were also visits to the local churches and social institutions to have new experiences such as the Peace Home, St. Teresa’s Home, L’Arche foudation, and the Cremisan Monastery. Our boys participated in an English course that was every day with Ms. Linda Handal from ABLE Bethlehem, which was very interesting for the boys as it included many activites inside of this course. We want to wish all the best as well for our volunteers during this 2 months period, especially to Danielle and Bana who were part of our family not only during this period, but also in the future. For sure their presence with us made a positive impact on our boys. We went to swimming pools several times during this camp as well. The second part of the camp, which is organized by Father Sandro, will start on Monday June 13th until the 19th in Croatia. Many thanks to everyone who participated in this summer camp and may God bless them for their generosity.

From 8th until 12th of May our home visited educators from Cometa home, from Como, Italy. Matteo, Tommaso and Alessandro lived 5 days in our home and our boys were extremely grateful for their visit and volonteering during 5 days where they exchanged their experience with us. We want to thank them for this special visit and we can’t wait to visit them in their home in Como, where they share the same mission as we are here in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.

Yesterday, 11th of May, our dear Jiries Masri graduated in the Terra Santa college in the section of hotel management. We wish to our Jiries all the best and congratulate him for all the effort he put during his studying in Terra Santa college.

Yesterday, 28th of April Jerusalem Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited our home for the second time this last year in as part of his pastoral visit to our parish in Bethlehem for 3 days which will be concluded tommorow, 30th of April by celebrating the Holy Mass at 10 AM in the parish of St. Catherine. We want to thank our Patriarch for his closeness to our home during 15 years of our home and yesterday’s special visit together with his secretary and our parish priest.

27th of April our home visited a group from Italy, where they made a entertainment program for our boys. Clowns group with big experience over the years are entertaining children in Bethlehem for many years now, especially in the Caritas Baby hospital and all the institutions for boys in Bethlehem. We want to thank especially Federica and the group that went to visit with us our dear Jiries that had a accident 2 weeks ago. We celebrated his birthday, as well as Najib’s birthday in home of our Jiries.

27th of April, our boys visited the Croatian embassy in Tel Aviv. The ambassador Mrs. Vesela Mrđen Korać welcomed us with big joy, as well as all the staff of the embassy. After visiting the embassy, we took a break next to the sea and then returned to our home in Bethlehem. We want to thank all the embassy for receiving us and welcoming us with the heart open for our boys!

A special day for the family of the Franciscan Boys Home.
Within the activities of the Lent, the family of the Franciscan Boys Home participated in an activity that included a purposeful clown show and searching for eggs. Then, they had dinner together. Moreover, to children were distributed gifts. This special activity was organized by the Sabeel Center in co-operation with the Jerusalem Arab Catholic Scouts Group at Mary Doty Garden in Bethlehem.

Thanks a lot for everything

Saint Joseph, who is the patron saint of all the fathers and which feast is celebrating 19th of March, this year was celebrated the day after because of the liturgical calendar (the feast was supposed to be on Sunday, so it was transfered to day after). We thanked all fathers of our home for they example and effort they have for our home and our boys. Furthermore, in arabic culture Mothers day is celebrated 21st of March, so it was great opportunity to celebrate both of the feasts together. We with many blessings for our fathers and mothers!

The activities of lent took place in our home for children as well as for their parents. There were series of weekly meetings dedicated to the families of the children of the Franciscan Boys Home.
On Thursday 23rd of March 2023, the family of our home hosted a group of staff of the Bible College. The Meeting focused on the importance of women in the Bible and how to reflect the spiritual meanings in the daily life.
At the same, there was an activity for our children about the Lent and what is the meaning of it.
Moreover, there was another meeting, which was held on Friday the 24th, with the Palestinian Bible Society to discuss how to live the spiritual life.
Special thanks goes to the Bible College and to the Palestinian Bible Society!