This 8th September, to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Basilica of St. Anne, the Franciscans will not have to slip in through the basement window which gives access to the crypt as they had to do when the Crusader church had been turned into a madrassa (school of theology) then into a mosque. The procession of about forty priests entered through the main door. In the church, the faithful waited for the celebration to start, and it took place in the presence of His Excellency the Consul General of France, Mr. Desagneaux, accompanied by his wife.
Surrounded by the Father Superior of the community of the White Fathers, Father Thomas Mayer, and the Custodial Vicar, Fr. Artémio Vitores and Fr. Stéphane Milovich, a French Franciscan, presided the Mass. In his homily, after having sent his good wishes for France on the occasion of this consular Mass, he returned to the readings and the figure of Abraham.
“Out of all men, God calls on some to work for the salvation of humanity. The story of Abraham shows us that it is God who always takes the initiative and that he expects an answer from us.”
Whilst the assembly was gathered to celebrate the nativity of the Virgin Mary, which they did fervently, evoking the figure of Abraham could have had a singular effect when, in this period, all his descendants intensify their prayers. The Muslims at the end of Ramadan and the imminent celebration of the Aïd and the Jews with Rosh Hashana, the New Year, which opens the cycle of the Autumn high holidays.
May all the children of Abraham, as the Virgin Mary did above all, “work for the Salvation of Humanity.” Shana Tova, Happy New Year 5771 to the Jews, Aïd Moubarak to the Muslims. Best wishes for the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Christians.
Mab
Surrounded by the Father Superior of the community of the White Fathers, Father Thomas Mayer, and the Custodial Vicar, Fr. Artémio Vitores and Fr. Stéphane Milovich, a French Franciscan, presided the Mass. In his homily, after having sent his good wishes for France on the occasion of this consular Mass, he returned to the readings and the figure of Abraham.
“Out of all men, God calls on some to work for the salvation of humanity. The story of Abraham shows us that it is God who always takes the initiative and that he expects an answer from us.”
Whilst the assembly was gathered to celebrate the nativity of the Virgin Mary, which they did fervently, evoking the figure of Abraham could have had a singular effect when, in this period, all his descendants intensify their prayers. The Muslims at the end of Ramadan and the imminent celebration of the Aïd and the Jews with Rosh Hashana, the New Year, which opens the cycle of the Autumn high holidays.
May all the children of Abraham, as the Virgin Mary did above all, “work for the Salvation of Humanity.” Shana Tova, Happy New Year 5771 to the Jews, Aïd Moubarak to the Muslims. Best wishes for the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Christians.
Mab