On Monday, December 18, the Custos of the Holy Land, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, accompanied by Brother Artemio Vitores, Custodial Vicar, and Brother Ibrahim Faltas, Director of Relations with the Palestinian National Authority, went to Ramallah to extend the traditional initiation to the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas.
Recent political developments in Palestinian society had left a certain doubt as to his coming. But Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) did come, surrounded by an impressive security cordon and preceded by a large delegation of guests, because most of the West Bank governors were present, some accompanied by their families.
For reasons of convenience, the dinner was held in the Bethlehem Casa Nova, adjacent to the Franciscan convent. The meal was preceded by several speeches: the Father Custos ’ welcome, and those by His Beatitude Mgr Michel Sabbah, and the President himself, clearly more relaxed since his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Holiday wishes were exchanged, centering, of course, on Peace. Everyone regretted that once again this year Christmas comes during a difficult situation; everyone redoubled his prayer and good wishes. Afterwards, more than 100 people enjoyed the meal.
MAB
Recent political developments in Palestinian society had left a certain doubt as to his coming. But Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) did come, surrounded by an impressive security cordon and preceded by a large delegation of guests, because most of the West Bank governors were present, some accompanied by their families.
For reasons of convenience, the dinner was held in the Bethlehem Casa Nova, adjacent to the Franciscan convent. The meal was preceded by several speeches: the Father Custos ’ welcome, and those by His Beatitude Mgr Michel Sabbah, and the President himself, clearly more relaxed since his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Holiday wishes were exchanged, centering, of course, on Peace. Everyone regretted that once again this year Christmas comes during a difficult situation; everyone redoubled his prayer and good wishes. Afterwards, more than 100 people enjoyed the meal.
MAB