Frères Secondary School – Bethlehem began the 2025–2026 academic year with a celebratory Mass in the school church. Those attending included Brother Visitor Habib Zaribi, head of the De La Salle community in the Middle East; Principal Ekhlas Bannoura; George Nabber, Coordinator of Frères Schools in the Holy Land and Jordan; Brother Daoud Kassabreh, the congregation’s legal representative in the Holy Land and Jordan; and the administrative and teaching staff.
Father Rami Asakrieh presided. In his homily, he stressed that constant communication with God guides us and that our educational work depends on a sincere and complete relationship with God. He called on those present to let go of whatever obstructs that relationship and to be generous, giving their best rather than following the example of the sorrowful rich young man.
Teachers prayed for the sick, for peace and justice in the Holy Land, for an end to wars, and for a spirit of love and peace among students and educational institutions.
Brother Habib urged leaders to end conflicts and abandon the worship of idols. He recalled that everyone can follow Saint Teresa’s example by helping even one marginalised person, and that our actions towards students and nature reflect our relationship with God. He wished the community a year of goodness, love and peace.
Principal Ekhlas Bannoura thanked all those present for their spiritual participation and invited them to a simple, friendly reception to mark a new year of hope and renewal. She also thanked Father Rami Asakrieh for his continuing support and willingness to celebrate Mass at the school.
