Starting from the St. Anthony Catholic Action centre in Nazareth, the Latin Patriarch, Monsignor Michel Sabbah, made his solemn entry into the Basilica of the Annunciation. He was accompanied by his Auxiliaries in the Holy Land as well as by his coadjutor, Monsignor Fouad Twal. The procession was preceded by the parade of the city’s Scouts and followed by a large crowd.
The Guardian, friar Ricardo Bustos was waiting for him at the entry to the Franciscan convent and preceded him to the door of the upper Basilica. After having kissed the Cross and sprinkled the faithful with Holy Water, His Beatitude entered the Basilica to the Te Deum. Here we was greeted by the parish priest, friar Amjad Sabbara ofm, and by a representative of the Parish Council. The celebration came to an end with vespers. On leaving the Basilica, the Prelates received the good wishes of the faithful.
In the evening, after dinner, a lavish display of fireworks was set off from the courtyard of the School, adding much cheer to the celebration. A little later, the Guardian Father presided the usual Saturday torch-light procession with the participation of many of the local faithful and pilgrims.
It was for the feast of the Annunciation, postponed to today because of Easter, that the Patriarch came to celebrate what could well be his last solemn celebration as Patriarch in office in the city of his birth. The feast of the Ascension and of Pentecost are, according to tradition, presided over by the Custodial Vicar on the Mount of Olives and by the Custos at St. Saviour and on Mount Zion respectively.
The next day, Sunday 30th March, Monsignor Sabbah presided the Solemn Mass of the Annunciation, surrounded by a large crowd.
MAB
The Guardian, friar Ricardo Bustos was waiting for him at the entry to the Franciscan convent and preceded him to the door of the upper Basilica. After having kissed the Cross and sprinkled the faithful with Holy Water, His Beatitude entered the Basilica to the Te Deum. Here we was greeted by the parish priest, friar Amjad Sabbara ofm, and by a representative of the Parish Council. The celebration came to an end with vespers. On leaving the Basilica, the Prelates received the good wishes of the faithful.
In the evening, after dinner, a lavish display of fireworks was set off from the courtyard of the School, adding much cheer to the celebration. A little later, the Guardian Father presided the usual Saturday torch-light procession with the participation of many of the local faithful and pilgrims.
It was for the feast of the Annunciation, postponed to today because of Easter, that the Patriarch came to celebrate what could well be his last solemn celebration as Patriarch in office in the city of his birth. The feast of the Ascension and of Pentecost are, according to tradition, presided over by the Custodial Vicar on the Mount of Olives and by the Custos at St. Saviour and on Mount Zion respectively.
The next day, Sunday 30th March, Monsignor Sabbah presided the Solemn Mass of the Annunciation, surrounded by a large crowd.
MAB