HOLY LAND - On Tuesday, October 17th, 2023, the diocese of Jerusalem, and many other dioceses participated in a day of prayer and fasting for the peace of the Holy Land, in response to the appeal of H.B. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
Many faithful united in faith and intercession partook in the different prayer sets, Eucharistic adorations, and fasting held by their parishes, here is an overview:
At the Pro-Cathedral of the Latin Patriarchate, the Holy Sacrament was displayed for Adoration since the morning, as many LPJ employees came to pay their devotion. And, in the evening H.B Cardinal Pizzaballa presided over an hour of Eucharistic Adoration, and prayers, which included the recitation of the Rosary. Many faithful of Jerusalem attended and listened to the encouraging words of H.B. on the importance and power of prayer, saying: “It may not change the terrible situation we are faced with, but it sheds light into our hearts to see with eyes filled with faith and brotherly love”.
Many of the local Latin Parishes held various spiritual activities for their parishioners. Also, the students participated in periodic prayers throughout their school day, pleading for peace, especially for the young children who have been deprived of their right to education, and dignified life due to what is happening. Masses, Rosaries, and hours of kneeling before The Eucharistic were raised as incense to the Almighty God for justice to take place and for war to cease. You can view the pictures we received from some of the parishes by clicking the name of each area: Beit Jala, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jericho, Ramallah, Reneh, Jifna, Haifa, Shafa’amr, Ein Arik, Rafidia, Aboud.
As an act of solidarity, many dioceses responded to the call of H.B. and H.H. Pope Francis, which was announced during last Sunday’s Angelus prayer, to unite in prayer for peace to manifest in the Holy Land. H.H. has contacted Fr. Gabriel, parish priest of Gaza, and Fr. Joseph, the Vicar, to encourage them amidst their pain, and asked them to continue offering help to all, especially the children. These efforts also permeated Cardinal Parolin's visit to the Embassy of Palestine and Israel in Rome and urged them to make greater efforts to stop all acts of violence and murder and to seek a return to the table of dialogue and understanding.
