Discover the incredible work of the Little Sisters of Nazareth at Lebanon’s Dbayeh camp for Palestinian refugees, a mission they have been dedicated to since 1987. Sister Magdalena Smet sheds light on the challenges they face while striving to provide essential humanitarian aid.
By Laura Ieraci, CNEWA
With a history dating back to 1949, Pontifical Mission was established by Pope Pius XII to support Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 Arab Israeli War. Now under the care of Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA), Pontifical Mission’s reach extends across the Middle East, including the Palestinian refugee camp at Dbayeh, Lebanon.
In honor of this significant anniversary, ONE magazine, the publication of CNEWA, sat down with Sister Magdalena Smet, P.S.N., a member of the Little Sisters of Nazareth, who has been serving at the Dbayeh camp since 1987.
ONE magazine: Hello, Sister Magda. Could you share a brief overview of the Little Sisters of Nazareth and your mission, charism, and spirituality?
Sister Magda: The Little Sisters of Nazareth, founded in Belgium in 1966, are inspired by the Holy Family of Nazareth. Our mission is to embody God’s love for the marginalized and vulnerable, following the spirituality of St. Charles de Foucauld.
Q: How did your community decide to dedicate yourselves to the Dbayeh camp in Lebanon?
Sister Magda recounts a powerful journey that led the Little Sisters to the camp in 1987, sharing stories of resilience and faith in the face of adversity.
Experience daily life at the camp through the eyes of Sister Magda, where ordinary families navigate the challenges of refugee life while holding onto the dream of returning to their homeland.
Sr. Magda speaks with a Muslim family in Dbayeh (Photo: CNEWA/Raghida Skaff)
The Resilience of Palestinian Families: A Story of Hope Amidst Adversity
Within the Palestinian community, there are families who still hold onto the memories of their homeland, with some even possessing the key to their ancestral homes. However, the reality they face is a harsh one – they are refugees, as are their children and grandchildren. The future seems bleak, with crisis after crisis looming ahead.
Despite the cease-fire in place, true peace remains elusive. The region is filled with a longing for tranquility, for a moment of respite. Daily life is a struggle for everyone, from the elders to the youth and children.
As Little Sisters living in the camp, we share in the challenges of our community. Our days are filled with work, prayer, and solidarity. We are foreigners here, three Belgian Little Sisters, walking alongside the refugees, offering support and companionship.
To address the refugee crisis, political solutions are essential – a responsibility that lies outside the realm of the camp’s inhabitants. Our role is to stand in solidarity with the refugees, providing care and compassion in the absence of concrete solutions.
Amidst the hardships, we strive to find solace in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Each day, we seek to encounter the Lord in moments of joy and sorrow, trusting in His presence even in the face of adversity.
Our work in the camp is diverse – from providing hospitality and clothing to offering medical care and emotional support. Through our actions, we aim to kindle hope and preserve the resilience of the families around us.
The camp, once intended as a temporary refuge, has become a permanent home for many. Despite the challenges, faith remains a guiding light for the residents, with a shared devotion to the Virgin Mary and a strong sense of community.
Our mission as Little Sisters is to listen, to provide a safe space for reflection and sharing, and to offer prayers for all those in need. Through our small acts of kindness and compassion, we strive to uphold the spirit of hope amidst the trials of camp life.
Providing Spiritual Support in Times of Need
In addition to addressing the humanitarian needs of the residents, we also focus on their spiritual well-being. Through pastoral accompaniment and the ministry of listening, we offer a sense of solace and connection to the divine.
The camp has a strong ecclesial presence, with a church and a resident priest who leads the Sunday liturgy. The faith of the refugees is palpable, with a deep reverence for the Virgin Mary and a sense of community prayer and support.
One poignant moment that stands out is when a grieving mother, having lost her only son, sought comfort in prayer before the statue of the Virgin Mary. This act of faith and devotion embodies the resilience and strength of the camp’s residents, who find solace in their shared spirituality.
A simple, simple, simple woman humbly spoke to the Virgin, expressing her deep understanding of loss: “You understand, because you lost your only Son.”
This heartfelt exchange encapsulates the profound faith of the Christian families residing here. It’s not merely a belief system; it’s an integral part of their existence. Without this unwavering faith, many would not have endured the hardships they face daily.
Q: You mentioned earlier that the camp has welcomed Muslim families as well. How do the two communities coexist?
Surprisingly, the harmony between the Christian and Muslim families thrives here. They exhibit mutual respect for each other’s beliefs, fostering a peaceful coexistence. It’s a beautiful sight to witness genuine relationships forming over time, transcending religious differences. In times of crisis, they come together, seeking solace and support from one another.
Even during moments of shared sorrow, such as the Syrian earthquake, solidarity prevails as Muslim families turn to the Virgin Mary for comfort, recognizing her as Mariam. This unity showcases that faith transcends barriers and fosters a sense of closeness among believers.
Q: How has Pontifical Mission contributed to the religious community and daily life at the camp?
Pontifical Mission has been instrumental in supporting our mission in this community. Their assistance has enabled us to provide essential services and care to those in need. Whether it’s medical aid, educational support, or spiritual guidance, Pontifical Mission has been a pillar of strength for us.
With their help, we’ve been able to organize catechesis sessions for children, ensuring they receive proper education and spiritual nourishment. In times of crisis, Pontifical Mission serves as our refuge, offering us the support and resources we require to navigate the challenges we face.
As the camp grapples with numerous issues, from healthcare access to educational opportunities, Pontifical Mission remains a beacon of hope, providing vital assistance to uplift the community.
Q: What message would you like to convey to inspire solidarity and compassion towards those in need?
First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to Pontifical Mission for their unwavering support and generosity. Their contributions have touched the lives of every individual in this community, making a significant impact.
Let us heed the words of our Lord, who reminds us that by helping the marginalized and vulnerable, we are serving Him. This message of compassion and empathy should guide our actions, inspiring us to extend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in Lebanon who are facing adversity.
This article was originally published in ONE, the magazine of Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA). All rights reserved. Unauthorized republication by third parties is not permitted.
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