ASIA/HOLY LAND - BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY A LIGHT OF HOPE AND DIALOGUE IN A WILDERNESS OF VIOLENCE: 30 YEARS AT THE SERVICE OF EDUCATION AND CULTURAL GROWTH IN THE HOLY LAND 01-10-03, Agenzia Fides - Agenzia della Congregazione per l'Evangelizzazione dei Popoli

Bethlehem (Fides Service) – Amidst the wilderness of war and violence in the Holy Land, in the little town of Bethlehem, where Jesus the Prince of Peace was born, a light of hope is burning. The light comes from the Bethlehem Catholic University run by the Christian Brothers, Brothers of the Christian Schools (de la Salle) which is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its foundation from 2 to 11 October.

Celebrations will open on October 2 with an academic assembly during which the college will confer honorary degrees on His beatitude Michel Sabbah Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and Mr Richard Moley an American benefactor as well as voicing gratitude to many benefactors the world over.

Celebrations will proceed with a concert and a play for students, parents, teachers and other staff on 3 October followed on 10 October by the solemn inauguration of a new Student’s Residence on the University campus. Anniversary celebrations will close on October 11 with a special Mass of thanksgiving at the University Chapel followed by a reception.

Established in 1973, Bethlehem Catholic University is supported by the Holy See. It has about 2,100 students (66% Muslim and 34% Christian) and offers degrees in Arts, Science, Business Management, Education, Nursing, Tourism Special Development Programmes and collaborates with universities in the Holy Land and elsewhere in the world.

PA (Fides Service 1/10/2003 EM lines 33 Words: 331)