After about three years, the Domus Ecclesiæ, which Mr. Dada Olisa kindly hosted in the Nigerian Embassy in Kfar Shemhariahou, a residential town north of Tel Aviv, has closed.
It was a moment of joy, veiled by a feeling of sadness. On behalf of the Custos, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Fr. Toufik Bou Merhi ofm, parish priest of Jaffa, awarded the Grato Animo medal with which the Custody of the Holy Land honours those people who have distinguished themselves in helping it to carry out its mission in these Holy Places.
It was a very moving ceremony. Indian, American and Filipino faithful gathered around the priest to express the choral gratitude to this Nigerian Ambassador who, with great simplicity, had offered, for three years, his home to celebrate the festive Saturday evening Mass, attended by the Christians working in Kfar Shemhariahu, Nof Yam and Herzeliyya. For three years, since the closure of the America International School, the home of the Ambassador had become the Domus Ecclesiæ for the Christians who, as in the times of the Apostles, gathered in a home to celebrate the Eucharist.
It was a little like separating from a person who has loved us just like a good father.
After Mass, photos were taken for souvenirs and thanks to the reception generously prepared by the faithful in a room of the residence, a very warm and affectionate atmosphere was created to say goodbye and thank the Ambassador. We felt as though we were one family, first united in the Eucharist and then in the fraternal banquet.
This varied community, made up of different nationalities and foreign workers, no longer knows where to go to pray. They warmly thanked the Ambassador and the People he represents for their generosity and now they continue to trust in the Lord, who knows their need very well for a Place where they can meet once a week, sing His praises and renew their courage and hope in Him. May the Lord bless them.
Fr. Arturo Vasaturo ofm
It was a moment of joy, veiled by a feeling of sadness. On behalf of the Custos, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Fr. Toufik Bou Merhi ofm, parish priest of Jaffa, awarded the Grato Animo medal with which the Custody of the Holy Land honours those people who have distinguished themselves in helping it to carry out its mission in these Holy Places.
It was a very moving ceremony. Indian, American and Filipino faithful gathered around the priest to express the choral gratitude to this Nigerian Ambassador who, with great simplicity, had offered, for three years, his home to celebrate the festive Saturday evening Mass, attended by the Christians working in Kfar Shemhariahu, Nof Yam and Herzeliyya. For three years, since the closure of the America International School, the home of the Ambassador had become the Domus Ecclesiæ for the Christians who, as in the times of the Apostles, gathered in a home to celebrate the Eucharist.
It was a little like separating from a person who has loved us just like a good father.
After Mass, photos were taken for souvenirs and thanks to the reception generously prepared by the faithful in a room of the residence, a very warm and affectionate atmosphere was created to say goodbye and thank the Ambassador. We felt as though we were one family, first united in the Eucharist and then in the fraternal banquet.
This varied community, made up of different nationalities and foreign workers, no longer knows where to go to pray. They warmly thanked the Ambassador and the People he represents for their generosity and now they continue to trust in the Lord, who knows their need very well for a Place where they can meet once a week, sing His praises and renew their courage and hope in Him. May the Lord bless them.
Fr. Arturo Vasaturo ofm