Tuesday, April 10. For the first time in history, the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mr. Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas), invited all the Christian religious authorities of Jerusalem to his Bethlehem residence for a friendly gathering to celebrate the Easter Solemnity. All the Patriarchs and bishops of the different Churches of the Holy City were present.
The Franciscans present were the Custos of the Holy Land, Brother Pierbattista Pizzaballa; the Custodial Vicar, Brother Artemio Vitores; and Brother Ibrahim Faltas, pastor of the Latin parish of Jerusalem and the Franciscans’ liaison with the Palestinian Authority.
The Christians gave a very postitive reception to the warm words of the President on the occasion of the Easter Feast, the heart of Christian celebrations, that at times in the past has been a point of discord between Jerusalem Christians and Muslims.
The typically Arab meal helped deepen friendly relations among the different Churches – particularly in these days when the various Christian communities are exchanging their Easter greetings – and also provided an opportunity to meet the various members of the Palestinian Authority, most of whom are Muslims.
It was a time of cementing friendships and mutual knowledge of one another, and a point of departure for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. Once again we were able to see Mr. Abu Mazen’s positive disposition toward Christians. For our part, as Franciscans, we are particularly glad to see our traditional line of dialogue being adopted.
Brother Artemio Vitores ofm
The Franciscans present were the Custos of the Holy Land, Brother Pierbattista Pizzaballa; the Custodial Vicar, Brother Artemio Vitores; and Brother Ibrahim Faltas, pastor of the Latin parish of Jerusalem and the Franciscans’ liaison with the Palestinian Authority.
The Christians gave a very postitive reception to the warm words of the President on the occasion of the Easter Feast, the heart of Christian celebrations, that at times in the past has been a point of discord between Jerusalem Christians and Muslims.
The typically Arab meal helped deepen friendly relations among the different Churches – particularly in these days when the various Christian communities are exchanging their Easter greetings – and also provided an opportunity to meet the various members of the Palestinian Authority, most of whom are Muslims.
It was a time of cementing friendships and mutual knowledge of one another, and a point of departure for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. Once again we were able to see Mr. Abu Mazen’s positive disposition toward Christians. For our part, as Franciscans, we are particularly glad to see our traditional line of dialogue being adopted.
Brother Artemio Vitores ofm