The Custos’ Christmas visit to the children of the Boys Home in Bethlehem, the centre for 35 youngsters between 5 and 16, opened five years ago thanks to a project of the Custody and the Foundation for the Holy Land, is now a tradition.
Everything started with a Mass presided by Father Pizzaballa and concelebrated by Father Peter Vasko, President of the Foundation and Father Rami Asakrieh, at the sanctuary of the Milk Grotto.
The part of the homily, when the Father Custos spoke directly to the children, asking them questions in particular on the story of Jesus and his family, his birth in Bethlehem and what it means, was truly enjoyable. The children passed the “test” with flying colours, answering shyly from the pews, a little as though they were at school. It was a short “lesson” to remind them that Jesus was born poor, amongst the poor, to be closer to everyone and that “He is born in our hearts and in our families every day” through the love that we show our loved ones in daily life.
During the offertory, the children’s gifts included a beautiful picture of black and white beads showing two silhouettes: a Franciscan stretching out his hand to help and support a child. An eloquent image of the abnegation and generous altruism of which Jesus is the symbol.
In short, it was a meeting with a special Christmas wish for the hope placed on each of these children.
The celebration was followed by refreshments in one of the rooms of the Boys Home, and the eagerly awaited distribution of presents by Santa Claus himself, who arrived a little early for the occasion!
By Maria Grazia Sanna
Photos by Alice Caputo and Giovanni Zennaro
Everything started with a Mass presided by Father Pizzaballa and concelebrated by Father Peter Vasko, President of the Foundation and Father Rami Asakrieh, at the sanctuary of the Milk Grotto.
The part of the homily, when the Father Custos spoke directly to the children, asking them questions in particular on the story of Jesus and his family, his birth in Bethlehem and what it means, was truly enjoyable. The children passed the “test” with flying colours, answering shyly from the pews, a little as though they were at school. It was a short “lesson” to remind them that Jesus was born poor, amongst the poor, to be closer to everyone and that “He is born in our hearts and in our families every day” through the love that we show our loved ones in daily life.
During the offertory, the children’s gifts included a beautiful picture of black and white beads showing two silhouettes: a Franciscan stretching out his hand to help and support a child. An eloquent image of the abnegation and generous altruism of which Jesus is the symbol.
In short, it was a meeting with a special Christmas wish for the hope placed on each of these children.
The celebration was followed by refreshments in one of the rooms of the Boys Home, and the eagerly awaited distribution of presents by Santa Claus himself, who arrived a little early for the occasion!
By Maria Grazia Sanna
Photos by Alice Caputo and Giovanni Zennaro