Late in the afternoon of Holy Thursday, the Custos of the Holy Land, Pierbattista Pizzaballa was the principal concelebrant of Mass in Saint Saviour’s parish in Jerusalem.
The church was full and the assembly, joyful. The pastor, Father Ibrahim Faltas ofm, preached the homily, but it was the Custos of the Holy Land who washed the feet of six Scout leaders and six laymen who are active in the parish. For these twelve men, it was very impressive. But what was most impressive? That the Custos of the Holy Land knelt and, after washing their foot, kissed it? Or that he did so with such simplicity and evident joy?
At the end of the Mass he addressed the assembly in Italian and the pastor translated. Notably, he told them that the relationship between local Christians and the Custody is frequently one of requests, of worried waiting, and that the Custody tries to meet their needs to the extent of its resources, aware that it cannot do everything. “There are not many of you, there are not many of us, but even this small number must not lose confidence or Hope.”
The Custos invited them to fix their gaze on Christ in these holy days, to see his love for mankind and to imitate him. His words expressed familiarity with the situation of Christians in this country and their temptations, as well as the Custody’s care and concern for them. They were also an expression of warmth and authenticity, and were greeted with much applause.
The Custos and a large part of the parish left knowing that they would meet again on Easter Monday at Emmaus.
MAB
The church was full and the assembly, joyful. The pastor, Father Ibrahim Faltas ofm, preached the homily, but it was the Custos of the Holy Land who washed the feet of six Scout leaders and six laymen who are active in the parish. For these twelve men, it was very impressive. But what was most impressive? That the Custos of the Holy Land knelt and, after washing their foot, kissed it? Or that he did so with such simplicity and evident joy?
At the end of the Mass he addressed the assembly in Italian and the pastor translated. Notably, he told them that the relationship between local Christians and the Custody is frequently one of requests, of worried waiting, and that the Custody tries to meet their needs to the extent of its resources, aware that it cannot do everything. “There are not many of you, there are not many of us, but even this small number must not lose confidence or Hope.”
The Custos invited them to fix their gaze on Christ in these holy days, to see his love for mankind and to imitate him. His words expressed familiarity with the situation of Christians in this country and their temptations, as well as the Custody’s care and concern for them. They were also an expression of warmth and authenticity, and were greeted with much applause.
The Custos and a large part of the parish left knowing that they would meet again on Easter Monday at Emmaus.
MAB