Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Custos of the Holy Land, celebrated Mass on Sunday, May 29th in the Church of St. Savior. The Mass was celebrated for the Nation of Italy.
Each year the Custody celebrates a Mass for Italy, which on March 17, 2011, celebrated 150 years of unity. On June 2nd, the Italians will be celebrating the Institution of the Republic. The Custody likewise has annual celebrations for Belgium, France and Spain, who share with Italy a Roman Catholic tradition.
The Church was decorated with flowers evoking the white, red and green of the Italian flag. The celebration ended with the notes of the national anthem by Mameli, played on the organ by Father Armando Pierucci. The Italian Consul in Jerusalem, Luciano Pezzotti, was among those present.
By Serena Picariello

Photos by Marco Gavasso
Read the homily of the Father Custos for the Mass for Italy
Each year the Custody celebrates a Mass for Italy, which on March 17, 2011, celebrated 150 years of unity. On June 2nd, the Italians will be celebrating the Institution of the Republic. The Custody likewise has annual celebrations for Belgium, France and Spain, who share with Italy a Roman Catholic tradition.
The Church was decorated with flowers evoking the white, red and green of the Italian flag. The celebration ended with the notes of the national anthem by Mameli, played on the organ by Father Armando Pierucci. The Italian Consul in Jerusalem, Luciano Pezzotti, was among those present.
By Serena Picariello

Photos by Marco Gavasso
Read the homily of the Father Custos for the Mass for Italy