Full Agreement between Salesian Sisters, Fathers and Brothers in Cremisan
Serving the population since 1891 with social works and international formation activities
With reference to the article entitled ‘The Separation Wall will pass between Monks and Nuns’, which appeared [in Hebrew] on the Ha-Aretz newspaper on 31.12.2011 and on its website [and printed in English] on 05.01.2012 under the title ‘New segment of West Bank security fence may separate nuns from monks’, the Salesian Sisters and the Salesian Male-Religious of Cremisan clearly affirm that there is no discord among them whatsoever and that their positions with regard to the building of the ‘wall’ do not differ.
The two religious communities are autonomous in organizing their own activities in favour of the local population but have always had and still enjoy excellent relations and mutual respect.
They have always expressed their opposition to the building of the ‘Wall’ and, in ways deemed most appropriate, have also shown solidarity with the Palestinian families of Beit Jala who, because of the construction of the ‘Wall’ suffer injustice and are deprived of land which is their property.
At Cremisan the Sisters manage a kindergarten, a primary school and a youth centre for the integral formation of children and young people, all of them welcomed without any distinction and with particular attention given to those more in need.
The Salesians are present in Cremisan since 1891. Originally a formation house and Centre of Theological Studies for young members of the Society from various parts of the world (over 20 nations), restructuring plans are now underway, especially since the Theological Centre moved to the Ratisbonne Monastery in Jerusalem, in order to promote an International Centre of Ongoing Formation for young people and adults of the entire Salesian Family (present in 132 nations) and at the service of local institutions that are interested.
The wine production has always been at the forefront in technique and quality and has also recently received international recognition. It provides work for about twenty families of the area and sustains the educative and formative activities of the Salesians in the Holy Land.
Sister Adriana Grasso FMA, Superior FMAs
Fr Giovanni Laconi SDB, Superior SDBs