JERUSALEMn e w s l e t t e r

l o v e t h e h o ly l a n d a n d b e l o v e d

Latin Patriarchateof Jerusalem

www.lpj.org

P.O.B. 14152

Jerusalem 91141

Tel : +972 2 628 23 23

Fax : +972 2 627 16 52

Media office:

meo@latinpat.org

LATIN PATRIARCHATE PRINTING PRESSBEIT JALA – 2012

EditorialNumber 17

Novembre 2012

Waiting for UnityIt is not merely an ‘aligning of the stars’

which will unite the date for the Catholic and Orthodox celebrations of Easter this year: it is the fruit of a decision by the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries in the Holy Land in anticipation of a decree by the Holy See which is pending approval. In effect, in two years (by 2015) all Catholics in the Holy Land, of both Latin and Oriental rite, will adopt the Julian calendar (which the Orthodox follow). Meanwhile, the Bishops of the Catholic Churches of the Holy Land have the option to start the implementation in 2013. This is the case with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Within the diocese, Jordan, Cyprus, and much of Palestine have already tested joint celebrations according to the Julian calendar with success. What will change next year is principally the parishes of the Patriarchate in Israel (with a few exceptions - Maronite parishes are abstaining, as well as Jerusalem and greater Bethlehem in order to maintain the Status Quo—which regulates the usage of Holy Sites among the various Christian communities).

This initiative, which is generally very positive, is not without consequences; moving the date for Easter means rescheduling the beginning of Lent, as well as Ascension Sunday, Pentecost, and all the Sundays of the Easter season. It is no little thing to reorganize the practical and pastoral activities of the diocese, especially with regards to welcoming pilgrims…

Does this mean the end of the ‘calendar wars’ in the Holy Land? Not likely. But for the moment, we look forward to the implementation of the decision, and eagerly await gradual unity. There is an African proverb which says, “Where patience thins, the sky opens.” Therefore, let us rejoice over this first concrete indication of ecumenism. It is also an occasion to witness the common faith among Christians, both here in the Holy Land and to the whole world. Within mixed families (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant)

children will be able to celebrate Easter with both parents.

The Little Flock

For too long, such divisive situations have made many Christians uneasy, and feeling guilty before the example of Christ. Thirteen years ago, the 5th Pastoral Letter of the Eastern Catholic Patriarchs put forth this call: “In the East, we are either Christians together, or we are not [Christians].” That is to say: ecumenism must be a part of the service of Christians in the Middle East. Today, with the explosive situation in Syria weighing in, the call for unity is ever more pressing for the Christians of the region who constitute the “little flock” (Lk 12:32). The challenge is to offer a truthful testimony for our believing brothers, Muslims and Jews. In Lebanon in September, the Pope recalled the continual preoccupation of the Vatican with the “mortal exodus” of Christians from the region which witnessed the birth of Christianity. The revitalization of the apostolic exhortation “Ecclesia in Medio Oriente” urges, among other things, cooperation among the various Churches present in the Arab world. It is in this spirit in Christ that the Pope writes:“Jesus unites those who believe in him and those who seek to receive the Spirit of his Father, following the example of Mary, his mother.”

Christophe Lafontaine

The Latin Patriarchatewill celebrate Easter 2013 with the Orthodox

P a G e 2 n e w s l e t t e r — J E R U S A L E M

Diocese: Holy Land NewsPilgrimage to the Holy Land“to revive your faith…” Patriarch Twal

“A pilgrimage to the Holy Sites and meeting the “living stones” is an excellent way to enliven one’s faith,” declared His Beatitude Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, on Saturday, October 13, 2012, in an official statement at the Synod on the New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith.

The Patriarch presented his intervention presented before Pope Benedict XVI and in the presence of the 241 Cardinals and Bishops, gathered for the ninth general assembly of the Synod of Bishops, in the Vatican from October 7-28.

Patriarch Twal, who is also the President of the Conference of Latin Bishops in Arab Regions, stated that a pilgrimage allows the believer to better understand “the cultural, historical, and geographical environments where the mysteries of our faith were born.” That is to say that pilgrimages will be encouraged during this Year of Faith (beginning October 11, 2012 to November 2013), as a part of the “New Evangelization.”

He is convinced that to be effective, our journey of faith must embark from Jerusalem, from “the first Christian community which was anchored in the person of Christ.” Are not the Christians of the Holy Land the direct descendants of the earliest Christian community and our Fathers in the Faith?

Patriarch Twal emphasized that the faithful of the Holy Land “need” other Christians to visit them, both from the material and spiritual benefits that pilgrimages afford.

Indeed, the journey of pilgrims in the footsteps of Christ has always been affirming for local communities—“a minority among a diversity of believers,” who are often “introvert and timid…”This statement resonates in light of the recent aggressions against a group of local Christians. The Patriarch closed his call to pilgrims with a meditation on faith: “true faith makes one more aware of our status as children of God, and therefore benefits our brothers, even at the price of the cross and blood.” Laurent Charnin

In solidarity for respect of the Holy PlacesIn appreciation of the many gestures of solidarity from the Muslim world

following the recent desecration of Christian Holy Places, the Auxiliary Bishop of Jerusalem, Bishop William Shomali, visited Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday, October 4 where he met the Grand Mufti Mohammad Hussein and the grand magistrate of the mosque Abdel Adhim Salhab.

This highly symbolic meeting was held on the Temple Mount, the third holiest place in Islam. Bishop Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for the Latins in Jerusalem, expressed his gratitude to the Grand Mufti and Magistrate for the many Muslims who came to show their support following the recent desecration of Christian Holy Places (at the Abbey of Latrun on September 4 and at the Franciscan Convent of Mount Zion on October 2).

The Bishop also assured Muslims the support of the Christian community with respect to their holy places. Finally, on a more general note, Bishop Shomali expressed the solidarity of Christians against every action to desecrate religious symbols or figures – such as the infamous movie “The Innocence of Muslims.”

Orthodox Archbishop Atallah Hanna was also present during this visit along with two priests from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Father George Ayub, Chancellor and Father Issa Hijazeen.

Amélie de la Hougue

Patriarch appointed to the Pontifical Council for Justice and PeaceOn Saturday, September 29, the Holy Father appointed members and advisors to the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. His Beatitude, Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was named one of the new Council members. The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace” is a department of the Roman Curia. Its role and function are defined in sections 142 to 144 of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus . ”The Council will promote justice and peace in the world, in the light of the Gospel and of the social teaching of the Church.” (art. 142).

Franciscan convent on Mount Zion desecrated, ACOHL dismayedThe Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries in the Holy Land is distressed at the discovery of graffiti in Hebrew on the gate of the Franciscan Convent on Mount Zion in Jerusalem on October 2. The convent is adjacent to the Cenacle complex. Jesus is once again profaned and signed “price tag,” a characteristic mark of Israeli extremists.

Once again, Christians targetedYet again, a Christian church has been the target of vandalism in Jerusalem on October 9. This time, it was at the Romanian Orthodox church of Saint George, very close to the Orthodox Jewish neighborhood of Mea Shearim. Vandals threw stones, bottles and trash at the Church. This is the latest act of vandalism targeting Christian places of worship in Israel, Israeli police police opened an investigation.

Latin Patriarchate’s condolencesto the Armenian Orthodox PatriarchateThe Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land expressed condolences to the Orthodox Armenians in the Holy Land following the death of His Beatitude Torkom Manougian II, Primate of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem since 1990. “We have appreciated the many gifts of the late Patriarch Torkom: as poet, writer and musician; and his sense of friendship, open mind and spirit of sincere collaboration.”In sharing the sorrow of the Armenian Orthodox faithful, the Bishops, priests, men and women religious, and faithful of the Latin Patriarchate pray with them and for Patriarch Manougian trusting in the resurrection, that our Lord welcomes home his faithful servant in eternal life.

200,000 euros from Francefor the Church of the NativityFrance released 200,000 Euros for the completion of the restoration of the Basilica of the Nativity in Beth-lehem. The Consul General of France Frédéric Desa-gneaux and Advisor to the President of the Palestinian Authority for Christian Affairs, Minister Ziyad Al Ban-dak signed a financing agreement between France and the Palestinian Authority. This amount is intended to restore a part of the Church of the Nativity, particu-larly for roof restoration of what is one of the oldest churches in the world. It confirms the strong desire of France to support the Palestinian Authority in the preservation of this important historical monument of religious heritage and the Palestinian nation. in-cluded since 2008 on the list of the hundred most en-dangered World Monuments, and since June 29, 2012 has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

l o v e t h e h o ly l a n d a n d b e l o v e d P a G e 3

Diocese: Holy Land News

Msgr. Khoury’s book presented in Galilee

A symposium was held on Monday, October 8 in Amman Jordan which brought together a large number of Bishops representing different churches, priests, monks, nuns, religious and secular Muslims from all over the Kingdom for a conference on the Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in Medio Oriente.”

The Minister of Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, Abdel Salam El Abadi, began by saying that the overall vision of Muslims was reflected in detail in the document with the aim to achieve the good and well-being of the society. The Minister stated that we should look for common platforms that serve humanity, while advocating for cooperation to end attacks against religious shrines and Holy places..

Father Rifa’at Bader, Director of the Catholic Media Centre said that the symposium was to discuss the most important document issued by the Church and the Vatican that deals with the Christians of the Middle East. The document is considered a message to all the inhabitants of the region so that they can advance interreligious dialogue.

Dr. Kamel Abu Jaber, Director of the Royal Institute, stressed that Christianity has recognized Islam, similarly, Islam has embraced the Arab Christians as one of the essential and largest components of its civilization.

Archbishop Giorgio Lingua, Apostolic Nuncio in Jordan stressed that interreligious dialogue, as described by Pope Benedict XVI, was not dictated by pragmatic political or social considerations, but that it emanated from theological basis concurrent with our faith.

Bishop Maroun Lahham, Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan explained the fundamental principles contained in the papal document that were of particular interest in the Middle East. Dr. Abdallah Kilani, a professor of Islamic Sahri’a at the University of Jordan, said that the danger was watching religions justify wars waged by irresponsible extremists. He said that religious freedom included the freedom of belief, practice and rituals of worship.

Finally, Abdelhadi El Raji Majali, Director of the El Hussein Cultural Centre, concluded that Christianity has the values of tolerance, love, peace and selflessness.

Laurent Charnin(with abouna.org)

Msgr Rafiq Khoury of the Latin Patriarchate has just published his 15th book: “Towards a theology embodied in the land of our country.” It was presented in Nazareth on September 28 and in Shefaamer on September 29. This is the first of a new series of four books on the theme: ‘For open borders between time and eternity,” published by the Al-Liqa Center in Bethlehem.

The book is a compilation of a set of 21 lectures, articles, speeches, homilies and documents that Msgr. Khoury wrote in the last thirty years, and presented in several countries – the Holy Land, France, Italy, Lebanon and Germany, and in different languages. All have a central idea and a common theme: the need to embody our faith, to be true and fruitful, in time and space, in history and culture, and life in the context of every believer and every community.

The book was presented in Nazareth by Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo who highlighted some significant titles, and explained the background of ideas and thoughts, cultural and pastoral activities of Msgr. Khoury: “A great love for the local church, a strong passion for the country’s culture, sincerity and

authenticity to any event in thought, speech and writing. Each concept and word is deeply and strongly suffered and lived in his heart and in his experience before being written. For this reason, the books emanate strength and credibility that fascinates the reader.”

In Shefaamer the presenter was Professor Ziad Shlewet, a journalist who knows the Msgr. Khoury and his publications from the time they worked in the local Pastoral Synod. Prof. Shlewet illustrated the value of the new book from the stages of the author’s life and in the different phases of his ministry as priest, thinker and teacher. He has unique experiences that is valuable for the Church and society. Highlighted were chapters in the book dealing with the Christian reading of the events of our country and the role of Christians in public life.

In both cities, Msgr. Khoury explained why he wrote so much and why he consolidated various articles in a book: “To learn from the experience of the Church in the Holy Land in order not to disperse the precious heritage that this experience allows and to help our faithful grow in their faith.”

Text and photos by ZS

Apostolic Exhortation presented in Jordan

P a G e 4 n e w s l e t t e r — J E R U S A L E M

Pastoral and Liturgical Life

of Syrian refugees. ”They suffer from hunger, lack of water, heat, poor living conditions, abandonment, boredom, despair, desert sand and soon they will suffer from the cold.”

On September 27, a solemn Mass was held in the Chapel of the French Hospital in Nazareth. Bishop Giacinto Boulos Marcuzzo, Patriarchal Vicar of Israel was the celebrant joined by a group of priests of different rites. Almost 150 people came including the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and Haifa, hospital directors, physicians, nurses and staff, and many friends from Nazareth and the surrounding area.

In his homily, Bishop Marcuzzo focused on three distinctive points of the life and work of St. Vincent, a great man of the 17th century: charity, evangelization of the poor and formation.

Laurent Charnin

Brittany and Normandy Knights candlelight vigil in NazarethThe Lieutenancy of France of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem had a well organized pilgrimage program for the Lieutenancy’s provinces and youth. On October 13, 2012, 52 pilgrims, Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher from Brittany, Normandy and other regions accompanied by Bishop of Vannes, H.E. Raymond Centène, President Mr. Jacques Brochard and Father Poffet, op, spent a special evening in Nazareth at the conclusion of their pilgrimage in Galilee.

Haifa Latin parish launches pastoral councilDiocesan and parish pastoral councils were formed after Vatican II to encourage lay participation in diocesan/parish decision making. The decree on “Apostolate of Lay People” recommended the establishment of councils at all levels of the Catholic Church to assist in its “apostolate” or mission. In the Holy Land, this was promoted by the Diocesan Pastoral Synod in 2000. Despite its importance and necessity, introduction of pastoral councils in parishes is not an easy operation because of a certain cultural mentality, thus the creation of a new Parish Pastoral Council is always important.

The feast of St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) is celebrated by the Church on September 27, and in particular at the French Hospital in Nazareth. In Jerusalem the feast was celebrated on Saturday, September 29 at the Hospice of St. Vincent de Paul. Both masses were well attended.

In his homily, Bishop William Shomali emphasized the great figure of St. Vincent de Paul: “Many in the world: priests, religious and lay people are inspired by his spirituality. Indeed, St. Vincent, their model, is a giant in the sphere of charity.” To whom is this charity addressed if not to the poor? But who are the poor of today? One thing is certain, according to the Auxiliary Bishop for Jerusalem: “their number and percentage is increasing.” Wars are a cause of poverty in the world. But not only wars. There are also drought, corruption, waste, selfishness and poor distribution of goods.” It is impossible, in this regard, not to mention the hundreds of thousands

Tantur Ecumenical Institute celebrates 40th AnniversaryTantur Ecumenical Institute celebrated its 40th anniversary (1972-2012) with a Symposium on October 26-27, 2012 on the theme: “Hope of Unity: Living Ecumenism Today, Celebrating 40 years of Tantur.”

Carmel Haifa celebrates feast of St. Teresa of AvilaSt. Teresa of Avila is not as popular in the Holy Land as St. Therese of Lisieux, but in the Carmelite reformed order, the former is regarded with great esteem and respect including Mount Carmel in Haifa and in other Carmel convents. Every year, the feast of St. Teresa of Avila is celebrated with great solemnity in the Church of the Carmelite Monastery in Haifa.

Mary, Queen of Palestine feast opens “Year of Faith”in the Holy LandThe Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries in the Holy Land (ACOHL) officially opens the “Year of Faith” during the Feast of Our Lady, Queen of Palestine and Patroness of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (the entire Holy Land). A Pontifical Mass was celebrated on Sunday, October 28, 2012, 10:30 at the Sanctuary of Deir Rafat.

St. Vincent de Paul, true celebration of love

Celebrating the Feast of St. FrancisThe beginning of October was significant for the Custody of the Holy Land for three events: the

‘Transitus’ of St. Francis, the Feast of St. Francis, and the opening of the academic year. Many joined the friars for these three celebrations.

On the evening of October 3rd, the Church of Saint Savior was filled with friars, priests, men and women religious, seminarians and the faithful who participated in the First Vespers for the feast of St. Francis, presided by the Custos of the Holy Land, Very Rev. Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Fifteen friars from all over the world renewed their temporary vows. The highlight of the evening was the commemoration of the “Transitus” of St. Francis, the “Seraphic Father” of all Franciscans. Lights were out for the service and prayers were read by candlelight. In his homily, the Custos spoke about Abraham’s call and journey.

The evening continued in the courtyard of the Franciscan convent, where students from three seminaries gathered for fellowship. The seminarians were from different congregations —Franciscans, Salesians, Missionaries of Africa, Betharam Fathers and Latin Patriarchate in Beit Jala. Among the handful of dance and choral performances was a magnificent rendition of Brother Leo’s benediction sung by the friars.

The solemn Mass of St. Francis on October 4th, according to tradition, was celebrated by the superior of the Dominicans, Father Guy Tardivy. Also presiding were the Very Rev.Pierbattista Pizzaballa,; Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar in Jerusalem; Archbishop Moussa El-Hage of the Maronites; Bishop Joseph Zerey of the Melkites; and the Right Rev. Joseph Kelekian, Armenian Catholic Patriairchal Exarch, as well as governmental and consular representatives in Jerusalem.

Father Kevin Stephens, OP, in his homily underlined simplicity as the key to the spirit of St. Francis.On Friday, October 5th, Father Pizzaballa celebrated Mass for the commencement of the academic year2012-2013 with professors and

students of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum (SBF), the Studium Theologicum Jerosolymitanum (STJ), and the Studium Theologicum Salesianum (STS). In his homily, the Custos focused on the wisdom of Job in the first reading (Job 38: 1, 12-21; 40:3-5). He cited the seventh admonition of St. Francis on “Good works should follow knowledge.” Articles and photos by Andres Bergamini

l o v e t h e h o ly l a n d a n d b e l o v e d P a G e 5

Our Church in the Middle EastBishop Shomali on current events in the Holy Land and the Middle East

J.F. Canteneur receives Cross of Merit AwardOn Friday, October 12, 2012, His Excellency General Bernard Fleu-riot, French Lieutenant of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepul-cher of Jerusalem bestowed the Cross of Merit of the Order upon Jean-François Canteneur, who is the Coordinator of the Barnabas Network at the church of St. Leu and St. Gilles in Paris. This award recognizes individuals outside of the Order who have distinguished themselves through their commitment to the Holy Land.

Pastoral kickoff for catechists in JordanCatechists in parishes and schools have always been a driving force in the Church of the Holy Land. Bishops, priests and directors of Catechism comprise this class of faithful and committed catechists who undertake a number of specific activities in the parishes. At the beginning of each year various regions in the diocese organize a day for Catechists which includes spiritual and cultural programs, culminating the day with the Biblical idea of commissioning or “sending them forth”.

Patriarchate School Directors’ Daysof Reflection and Prayer“How to Live the Faith” was the theme of spiritual reflection for the Directors of Latin Patriarchate Schools in this Year of Faith during their retreat on September 27-28. Fifteen school directors reflected and meditated together on the matters of faith relating to their positions and work. This gathering was held at the shrine of Our Lady of Ortas under the guidance of Bishop William Shomali, The participants were asked to reflect on “How Jesus, in the Gospel of Mark, enkindled faith in his apostles.”

St. Francis feast brings youth together in RamlehThis year, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi was celebrated in Ramleh on October 5, in a very solemn, popular and pastoral way. Fr. Abdelmasih Fahim, ofm, parish priest, invited Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Patriarchal Vicar in Israel for the Mass celebration and inauguration of new pastoral initiatives.

1) Mahmoud Abbas hoped that the UN General Assembly would “adopt a resolution considering the state of Palestine as a Non-Member State of the United Nations.” He also requested a resolution “binding” the UN to laying the groundwork for a peace agreement with Israel. What do you think?

Recognition of a Palestinian state has won international approval. So the fact that President Abbas is now requesting recognition of the State of Palestine as a Non-Member State to the United Nations, basically lowers the level of demand. It is less than what the vast majority of the international community sees as already evident.

Moreover, I think that he has reason to ask for a binding basis for future negotiations. If there is no secure platform to start negotiations , we lose much time. Negotiations have failed a dozen times in the past because the principles of negotiations were not clear.

2) Israel is demanding a “clear red line” on the issue of uranium enrichment by Tehran. What is your position?

I would like to link this question to the first. Mahmoud Abbas calls for a “clear green line”, that is to say a line that delineates Israeli land and Palestinian land because there is a border issue between the two countries. Benjamin Netanyahu asks a red line for Iran. I think both lines are connected. If Israel were to agree to give the Palestinians what they deserve, that is to say 22% of the territories occupied by Israel in 1967, as the line of demarcation between Israel and Palestine (the green line) is clear, it would facilitate peace in the Middle East and Iran would not have the need for an atomic bomb against Israel.

3) In his welcome address in Lebanon, the Melkite Patriarch Gregory III Lahham stressed the need to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: “the recognition of the Palestinian state (…) will pave the way towards a true Arab Spring.” Is this your opinion too?

The Arab Spring is not exclusively linked to the Palestinian question. There are particular internal reasons to countries such as poverty, lack of jobs, government corruption … It is true, however, that recognition of a state for Palestinians would clear-up relations between Arab countries and Israel; an outcome which would be desirable.

There would be more tranquility in the Middle East if there was peace between Israelis and Palestinians, but that does not circumvent requests of the Arab peoples from their leaders, which are mostly democratic and economic matters.

4) The conflict in Syria is worsening dramatically. What can you say about it from your position? How will the Latin Patriarchate welcome refugees?

The Syrian problem has gone beyond the borders of Syria. Inside Syria, there are parties who are making war. They come from Iran, Turkey and Gulf countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It is a conflict with a wider dimension.

For me, this is a fratricidal war – an absurdity where there is no winner and all are losers.All that we can do as a diocese is limited to humanitarian aid. Caritas Jordan and other Christian organizations with international aid

agencies are working hand in hand to help Syrian refugees living in very difficult situations: the current summer heat, the impending winter season and also deplorable hygienic problems. Yet assistance from Caritas and other organizations cannot meet the needs caused by the crisis.

The sad reality for the half a million refugees (soon to be 700,000 at the beginning of the new year) is a very serious problem that is beyond the capacity of our diocese. The best solution is to stop the conflict which will decrease the amount of suffering.

P a G e 6 n e w s l e t t e r — J E R U S A L E M

5) What has the Pope’s visit to Lebanon done for you as a bishop and for the faithful in the Holy Land?What are the (new) responsibilities that emerged?

I think that we should not judge the Pope’s visit on its immediate benefits. It is like a tree that is planted: it does not produce fruit for a few years.

The Pope’s visit was an extraordinary event. He came to show solidarity with many Eastern Christians. It happened despite pessimistic forecasts in the context of the Syrian tragedy. His courage and his insistence on coming has strengthened many of us. On the morale level, the Pope’s visit has given us much.

Now we have to read (and implement) the apostolic exhortation which is basically a more cohesive summary of the message and proposals of the Synod for the Middle East which was held in 2010. Therefore, we as Bishops must be consistent with the Christian people on this message.

By attentively reading this exhortation, it will continue to serve us for years to come, I would say even for the next 50 years. The exhortation shows clearly the regulatory principles of our Christian attitudes with ourselves, with other Catholics and non-Catholic churches and with the Jewish and Muslim world. This exhortation also addresses emigration of Eastern Christians. In it, therefore, we find strong proposals and solutions to many problems faced by Christians living in the Middle East.

6) These days, anti-Christian sentiment (the tearing of the New Testament by an Israeli governmental official, graffiti on your Monasteries, and arson at the Monastery of Latrun …) has shaken the Christian community in the Holy Land. Do you see a resurgence of tensions and threats? Would an “anti-blasphemy” law be useful?

In reading the news of the world there is interreligious tension everywhere; in Africa, Asia, and even Europe. It should be noted that there is difference in mentality between the West and the East, which means that consequences and reactions are incomparable.

The creation of an anti-blasphemy law is a good idea, but I ask that this be done at the international level through the United Nations. I think we need a clear law that requires respect for religions with sanctions against those who desecrate religious shrines and others that disrespect religious symbols. A law without sanctions is a law that is not enforced.

7) The Year of Faith starts in the Latin Patriarchate in late October. What proposals do you do have for the faithful?What are the challenges of this year in your diocese?

There is a risk that you run when you define faith as a bunch of religious truths which we must believe in. Faith is not simply a set of dogmas.

Faith is an extraordinary light from the Lord, through which we can see deeper, farther and higher. It is a light, and a force that allows us to live in accordance with what we see and also to believe in what we do not.

The risk which our community faces in the Middle East is that faith is a material identification. We are Christian or Muslim or Jews. Religion is reduced to a social label.

We want out of this definition of faith and consider it as a relationship with God. A relationship of trust based on the fact that God is powerful, that He loves me and that He helps me in my present situation. It is this relationship that Jesus had with all of the sick he healed. They begged for his assistance (out of faith in what he could do) and thus by his strength, able to help out of his great love for them.

This is the faith that binds us to the friendship of Lord.

8) Speaking about the Year of Faith also means talking about the Second Vatican Council 50 years after its opening. What is the legacy of that council today and how is it growing and developing in the Holy Land?

We live half a century after Vatican II. It is true that was a second Vatican council but there have also been a number of synods convened to further the legacy of Vatican II. We must not forget that those synods which followed Vatican II have been crucial to a deeper understanding of the topics presented, delving into aspects such as the Sacrament of the Eucharist or the Word of God.

We also must consider that Vatican II has laid the platform for a renewal in the Church for the twenty-first century through the treasures (both writings and post-synodal exhortations) of recent popes.

9. Precisely, what do you think about the dynamics of the New Evangelization and what do you expect of the next Synod?

The New Evangelization was designed specifically for western countries where traditional faith has fallen sharply. These countries have come to see themselves as post-Christian giving rise to a lot of anti-Christian rhetoric, anti-clericalism, atheism, the de-Christianization of culture and religious indifference.

The outcome of synod will hopefully re-awaken Christian awareness especially in Europe and North America. At the same time, the synod will serve the churches in the Middle East because faith is, as mentioned a social label and identification. We feel the need to deepen the faith of Christians in the Middle East, as requested by the Synod itself. Allow me to give an example: among those who go to church on Sundays in our parishes, very often, have a difficulty to forgive those who have hurt them.

And yet, they continue with their lives as if nothing has happened in the first place.The new evangelization is not just about faith itself, but on how to live faith as a deep and personal faith; a faith of forgiveness not a

faith of obligations but a living faith that invigorates me to participate in society by living charity and forgiveness. We need this from the synod for our Christians.

I see a strong relationship between the Year of Faith and the Synod on the New Evangelization and I am excited to see what comes of it in the next few days.

Interview by Christophe Lafontaine

l o v e t h e h o ly l a n d a n d b e l o v e d P a G e 7

celebrations. “We are also in good relations with the Muslims, with whom we share times of reflection on various themes: from ‘living together’ to the municipal elections.”

A reawakening of the past, to build the future

The pastor strives to create and maintain a certain dynamism and vitality in the par-ish and Patriarchal school: meetings with the Christian Brothers of the university, the altar servers, women’s groups, the Legion of Mary, the various choirs, and university and high-school stu-dents alike; with a mul-titude of activities to meet the multiple needs of parishioners and to evangelize their hearts. This month, the parish inaugurated an Archaeological Museum in the main parish building. “Along with our museum,” explained Fr. Hazboun “we have also opened a large exhi-bition of old photographs which illustrate the parish life of Bir Zeit after 1942.” A clear link between the present and the past, these photographs will help to strengthen the future of the new generations, anchoring them to their parish and religious history.

“As long as we have faith,” he concluded “we have hope for the future and for the youth who accompany us daily.” A timely word of hope as the Year of Faith opened on Sunday October 29, with the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Palestine at Deir Rafat.

Amélie de La Hougue

To read more, please visit www.lpj.org :

•JointheLatinPatriarchateonFacebookin7languages!

•ACOHL:ThereisnoagreementbetweentheChurchandtheIsraeliauthoritiesonthewallofCremisan (October 23, 2012)

•OliveTreesofGethsemane,resultsofascientificresearchpublishedOctober22,2012)

•HolySeeclarificationonEquestrianOrders(October17,2012)

•Oliveharvestamidstjoyandpain(October16,2012)

•Jerusalemstreets,namesandbeyond..?(October15,2012)

•PopeBenedictincludesArabictogeneralaudience(October10,2012)

•PastoralLetterfortheYearofFaith(October8,2012)

•FirstnewsletteroftheLatinPatriarchateSchoolsinthePalestinianTerritories

Renovation of the Immaculate Conception parish Church in Bir Zeit

Projects of the Latin Patriarchate

Founded in 1859, the parish of Bir Zeit (25 km north of Jerusalem) is one of the first four parishes created after the restoration of the Latin Patriarchate in 1847. The pastor, Father Louis Hazboun, stated that renovation started in the summer which included upgrading the buildings according to code regulations, restructuring of electrical system and underground installation of cables in front of the Church. The work now completed will allow the 2,500 Christians of the city to participate in many parish activities.

2,500 parishioners today, but…

Bir Zeit, a name that means “oil well,” is a town in the West Bank surrounded by olive trees, with a majority Christian population, of whom the greater part is Orthodox. The Latin Catholics who attend the parish of the Immaculate Conception number around 2,500. A “stable number” according to the pastor, but “one which may likely diminish because of the many young people who leave.”

Nevertheless, one of the strengths of Bir Zeit remains its Patriarchal school and its university, where the vast majority of the parishioners go to study. One would hope that these young people could, after their studies, find work in the area. In fact, according to Father Hazboun, “at the end of their studies, a number of graduates are able to find work in Ramallah, while others take up the occupation of their father.” But the reality is that many are unemployed, uncertain of their future and make the painful choice to emigrate. “One direct consequence,” Fr. Louis explained “is that many older women live alone here with their daughters.”

A Catholic minority in good relations with its neighbors

“We have good ecumenical relations,” confided Fr. Hazboun, “with both the Orthodox and the Anglicans.” These relations become a reality, notably, during religious and national

SubscribeTo subscribe free, write to:medialpj@latinpat.org

Visit our website:www.lpj.org

Latin Patriarchateof JerusalemP.O.B. 14152Jerusalem 91141Tel: + 972 2 628 23 23Fax: + 972 2 627 16 52Media office :meo@latinpat.org

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher

Portugal Knights – Pilgrims to the Holy Land

From September 25 to October 4, 75 pilgrims from the Portuguese Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher visited the Holy Land. Over the course of the pilgrimage, 14 members of the group were invested Knights or Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher by Bishop William Shomali in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

− On September 25, the Portuguese Lieutenancy began its pilgrimage to the Holy Land via Rome, where its members received the Apostolic Blessing of Pope Benedict XVI during the general audience on September 26th. The group of 75 Portuguese pilgrims, led by the Lieutenant, included five priests and forty-one members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher.

A number of events marked the success of the pilgrimage.

− On September 27, a panel of Portuguese azulejos representing Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Queen and Patroness of Portugal, was presented to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.

− On September 29, the group visited the convent of the Rosary Sisters in Aboud, where recent renovations were financed by the Lieutenancy. A group of the pilgrims met with Fr. Yousef Rizeck and the Sisters.

− On October 2 and 3, the Veil of Arms ceremony in the Co-Cathedral of the Latin Patriarchate and the Investiture of 10 new Knights and 4 Ladies were presided over by Bishop William Shomali, Auxiliary Bishop of Jerusalem, whose homily greatly moved those present. After the ceremony, Bishop Shomali presented the Pilgrim Shells to the Knights and Ladies on their first visit to the Holy Land. A group picture was taken with the Portuguese Ambassador to Israel outside the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher.

− Bishop Shomali invited the group for dinner at the Latin Patriarchate. The Lieutenant and members presented a gift to the Patriarchate, an image of Our Lady of Fatima, manufactured in the old Vista Alegre, and blessed by the Bishop of Leira/Fatima.

− Before returning to Portugal on October 4th, the Knights and Ladies visited the sanctuary of Our Lady of Palestine in Deir Rafat. A Mass was celebrated and the group met with the monastic sisters of Bethlehem who serve in the sanctuary with great joy and missionary spirit.

Gonçalo Figueiredo de Barros, Lieutenant