Bethlehem, Saturday, 18th December 2010
The Indian community in the Holy Land continues on its path of preparation for Christmas, accompanied by the chaplain Father Jaya OFM, assisted by Friar Regi Mathew OFM. This time the community met at Shepherds’ Field in Beit Sahour.
Waiting marks the start of the pilgrimage. It is not easy for different groups all over the Holy Land to arrive at the same time and punctually, but waiting is part of the Advent: it is that time of grace that prepares us to receive the gift.
As the faithful arrive, they visit the grottos in the vicinity and then gradually gather in prayer in the beautiful sanctuary of Gloria in Excelsis, the sanctuary by Barluzzi, the architect commemorated by the Custody of the Holy Land in this period on the fiftieth anniversary of his death, which stands in the centre of the Shepherds’ Field.
Father Jaya proposes a first moment of reflection in the sanctuary then the whole community moves towards the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Retracing the steps of the Shepherds underlines the importance of not waiting for Christmas sitting still, but going towards it, as we are, with our families, our humanity, our joys and our difficulties.
A column of more than seven hundred people goes down the narrow winding road that leads from the Shepherds’ Field to Manger Square in Bethlehem, whilst hymns are sung under the colours of the Holy Land, the Vatican and India.
The organization by the Palestinian police was admirable, allowing the procession to take place without difficulties.
H.B, Mons. Fuad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was waiting for the pilgrims at the Basilica of the Nativity and he gave his blessing to the whole of the community, in particular two tiny babies with their families. In his greeting to the Indian faithful, he expressed his admiration for their faith and courage in taking part in the pilgrimage with children; his reflection dwelled in particular on the difficulties of the Holy Family which are those of many families in the Basilica and in the world and how Christmas is above all Hope, and the presence of this Christian community in Bethlehem today is a concrete sign of this.
The conclusive Holy Mass was said in Konkani by Father Praveen Dsovza OFM, who for some time has assisted Father Jaya in the Indian community in Jaffa. The church of St. Catherine could hardly hold all the people. At the end of the Mass, Father Stéphane OFM, Guardian of the Convent of St. Catherine, also greeted the assembly.
After a visit to the Milk Grotto, each group then returned to their homes, waiting for the Holy Night which, after this day, will certainly take on a new meaning for all those who set off with joy to meet Jesus, who is coming.
Marco Gavasso
The Indian community in the Holy Land continues on its path of preparation for Christmas, accompanied by the chaplain Father Jaya OFM, assisted by Friar Regi Mathew OFM. This time the community met at Shepherds’ Field in Beit Sahour.
Waiting marks the start of the pilgrimage. It is not easy for different groups all over the Holy Land to arrive at the same time and punctually, but waiting is part of the Advent: it is that time of grace that prepares us to receive the gift.
As the faithful arrive, they visit the grottos in the vicinity and then gradually gather in prayer in the beautiful sanctuary of Gloria in Excelsis, the sanctuary by Barluzzi, the architect commemorated by the Custody of the Holy Land in this period on the fiftieth anniversary of his death, which stands in the centre of the Shepherds’ Field.
Father Jaya proposes a first moment of reflection in the sanctuary then the whole community moves towards the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Retracing the steps of the Shepherds underlines the importance of not waiting for Christmas sitting still, but going towards it, as we are, with our families, our humanity, our joys and our difficulties.
A column of more than seven hundred people goes down the narrow winding road that leads from the Shepherds’ Field to Manger Square in Bethlehem, whilst hymns are sung under the colours of the Holy Land, the Vatican and India.
The organization by the Palestinian police was admirable, allowing the procession to take place without difficulties.
H.B, Mons. Fuad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was waiting for the pilgrims at the Basilica of the Nativity and he gave his blessing to the whole of the community, in particular two tiny babies with their families. In his greeting to the Indian faithful, he expressed his admiration for their faith and courage in taking part in the pilgrimage with children; his reflection dwelled in particular on the difficulties of the Holy Family which are those of many families in the Basilica and in the world and how Christmas is above all Hope, and the presence of this Christian community in Bethlehem today is a concrete sign of this.
The conclusive Holy Mass was said in Konkani by Father Praveen Dsovza OFM, who for some time has assisted Father Jaya in the Indian community in Jaffa. The church of St. Catherine could hardly hold all the people. At the end of the Mass, Father Stéphane OFM, Guardian of the Convent of St. Catherine, also greeted the assembly.
After a visit to the Milk Grotto, each group then returned to their homes, waiting for the Holy Night which, after this day, will certainly take on a new meaning for all those who set off with joy to meet Jesus, who is coming.
Marco Gavasso