On February 13, 2026, a new nursery was officially inaugurated at the Latin Parish of Aboud during a ceremony presided over by Mgr. William Shomali, General Vicar of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
This new educational institute for children, named “Buds of Hope,” was established in response to a genuine need within the village and from a firm conviction that providing quality education and a safe childhood environment ensures a more hopeful future. The kindergarten offers a secure and nurturing space where children of the parish and the wider community can grow and learn, thanks to the generous support of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre – Belgian Lieutenancy.
Before the celebration began, Fr. Remon Haddad, parish priest of Aboud, welcomed the delegation from the Belgian Lieutenancy: Mr. Damien de Laminne, Ms. Véronique Massimo, and Mr. Fabrizio Massimo, to the parish. They met with the Parish Council and toured the parish and school, gaining deeper insight into their vital role in serving the community of Aboud. The visit also offered them a closer look at the village’s rich history and the daily life of its parish community.
The official opening ceremony was attended by Fr. Emmanuel Awwad of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as Mr. Sami El-Yousef, CEO of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, members of the Patriarchate’s project management team, and Mr. Elias Azar, Head of the Village Council, alongside parishioners and local families.
Representing the Parish Council, Dr. Hadeel Fawadleh delivered an address in which she described the inauguration of the nursery as a strategic investment in both the future of Aboud’s children and the sustainable development of the local community. She emphasized that the kindergarten will offer families, particularly working parents, a safe, nurturing, and professionally guided environment for early childhood care and education, while also generating new opportunities for employment and professional advancement within the village.
On behalf of the parish priest, Father Rimon Haddad, the Rosary Sisters, the Latin parish groups, local associations, and all the families and children of Aboud, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to the benefactors for their trust and steadfast support, affirming that their generosity will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
In his address, Msgr. Shomali described the inauguration as a luminous icon of unity and shared commitment. He noted that the project reflects the fraternal cooperation between the Latin parish priest and the priest of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the serious collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in bringing this dream to fruition. He presented the new kindergarten as a visible sign of unity and vitality within the community.
“We strongly believe that supporting our children from their earliest years is the foundation for building a stronger, more educated, and more successful community,” he stated. Addressing the donors, he added, “Your generosity has played a significant role in turning this vision into reality. Your commitment reflects a true spirit of solidarity and humanity. Thanks to your support, we are able to provide a safe, welcoming, and educational environment for the children of our village.”
The celebration concluded with the blessing and official inauguration of the nursery, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the children of Aboud, a step forward in faith, hope, and shared responsibility for the future.
