Sunday, September 17th, 2006. Commemorating the day St. Francis received the “stigmata” (sores corresponding in location to the crucifixion wounds of Christ), the 17th of September was chosen as the day to mark the diaconal ordination of Br. Carlos Hernandez from Mexico and Br. Usama Bahbah of Jerusalem. With the striking of the tenth hour on this Sunday the two brothers Usama and Carlos carrying their diaconal vestments led the host of priests to the altar of St. Saviour Church in the Old City of Jerusalem where the laying of hands and ordination would take place.
Presiding the celebration was the Most Rev. Bishop Kamal Bathish, Patriarchal Vicar General and Fr. Artemio Vitores, Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, these were joined by Priests and friars who assisted in the concelebration of mass.
Whereas mass was celebrated in a variety of languages due to the diversity of the guests present, bishop Bathish said a few words in Arabic especially addressing the parishioners, friends and family of Br. Usama who is the son of this parish. In the beginning of the homily he urged them to follow in the example of John the Baptist who himself knew that the bridegroom is Christ and the joy of the feast is first and foremost for Him. The major part of the homily was given in Italian as the common language for the majority of friars and especially the two ordained. The bishop addressed the two friars to be ordained deacons, emphasizing the importance of deacons in the church and pointing out the virtues as well as the responsibilities of a deacon.
The order of ordination and the laying of hands as well as prayers of consecration followed the homily; the order was concluded as the two friars put their diaconal vestments on assisted by two other priests. Each of the newly ordained deacons was given the Holy Bible, the example by which they will live, and that which they will profess to all. The two deacons, who were among their fellow believers, then took their places at the altar where they helped in the celebration of the mass.
After the celebration, everyone was invited to congratulate the new deacons in the “Immaculata” Hall where refreshments and snacks were waiting for them.
Congratulations to you two, Br. Usama and Br. Carlos, and to your families. May God bless your paths and light your steps. The Custody of the Holy Land
GK
Presiding the celebration was the Most Rev. Bishop Kamal Bathish, Patriarchal Vicar General and Fr. Artemio Vitores, Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, these were joined by Priests and friars who assisted in the concelebration of mass.
Whereas mass was celebrated in a variety of languages due to the diversity of the guests present, bishop Bathish said a few words in Arabic especially addressing the parishioners, friends and family of Br. Usama who is the son of this parish. In the beginning of the homily he urged them to follow in the example of John the Baptist who himself knew that the bridegroom is Christ and the joy of the feast is first and foremost for Him. The major part of the homily was given in Italian as the common language for the majority of friars and especially the two ordained. The bishop addressed the two friars to be ordained deacons, emphasizing the importance of deacons in the church and pointing out the virtues as well as the responsibilities of a deacon.
The order of ordination and the laying of hands as well as prayers of consecration followed the homily; the order was concluded as the two friars put their diaconal vestments on assisted by two other priests. Each of the newly ordained deacons was given the Holy Bible, the example by which they will live, and that which they will profess to all. The two deacons, who were among their fellow believers, then took their places at the altar where they helped in the celebration of the mass.
After the celebration, everyone was invited to congratulate the new deacons in the “Immaculata” Hall where refreshments and snacks were waiting for them.
Congratulations to you two, Br. Usama and Br. Carlos, and to your families. May God bless your paths and light your steps. The Custody of the Holy Land
GK