2 Catholic schools, closed for decades, reopen in Syria (Vatican News)

Two Franciscan schools reopened in Syria’s Idlib Governorate on September 20 after being closed for decades. The schools belong to the Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land.

One of the schools was originally opened by the friars in 1958 but was expropriated in 1972 following the presidency of Hafez al-Assad. Father Khukaz Mesrob, O.F.M., stated that the reopening follows the return of many teachers to Syria after the end of the Syrian Civil War.

The schools currently employ 25 active teachers who instruct students in subjects including English, mathematics, chemistry, and biology. Father Mesrob noted that the teachers are local Christians from the surrounding villages.