HOPE joins the world in celebrating the first Palestinian women to be canonized! On  May 17th in Rome, Pope Francis canonized two humble, simple and consecrated women: Sister Mariam Baouardy and Sister Marie Alphonsine Danil Ghattas.

Saint Mariam Baouardy (1846-1878) was a mystic and stigmatic also known as Mary Jesus Crucified. She was the foundress of the Discalced Carmelites of Bethlehem.

Saint Marie Alphonsine Danil Ghattas (1843-1927), was a co-founder of the Congregation of the Rosary Sisters. Born in Palestine, she spent much of her life in Bethlehem and its surrounding area, where she helped the poor and established schools and orphanages. St. Marie Alphonsine encouraged people in the Holy Land to pray the rosary for peace and tranquility.

HOPE also joins Talents Unlimited and the Latin Patriarchate Schools in the Holy Land in celebrating the first two people (women) to become certified trainers of Talents Unlimited in the Holy Land and also outside of the USA: Wafa Abu Zant and Nadia Tuffaha of Nablus, Palestine. Wafa and Nadia have worked diligently the last two and a half years to achieve their certification. This will allow them to train teachers in the LP Schools throughout Palestine in Talents.

Saint Mariam Baouardy,  Saint Marie Alphonsine Danil Ghattas, Nadia Tuffaha and Wafa Abu Zant inspire and bring hope!