Monday morning, H.E., Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, the new Apostolic Nuncio in Israel and Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine, made his Solemn Entrance into the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.
As is tradition, the new Nuncio was received by the Patriarch, H.E. Fouad Twal, at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, together with the Patriarchal Vicars, priests and seminarians, and the friars of the Custody of the Holy land.
The procession, which began from the Latin Patriarchate, was joined by representatives of the Christian Churches of Jerusalem and by civil authorities. Many religious and members of the faithful marched in procession, preceded by the Kawwas, who led them toward the Holy Sepulchre through the streets of the Old City.
The doors of the Basilica opened at the arrival of the procession. In front of the anointing stone, the Custos of the Holy Land, Fra Pierbattista Pizzaballa, warmly welcomed Archbishop Lazzarotto, saying, “Welcome to Jerusalem, the cradle of our Christian faith and the heart of the life of all believers, in the Holy Land.”
The Custos pointed out the difficulties of the moment, “In the last year, until a few days ago, we have witnessed profound crises, political, religious and social. Even our religious communities, at times, have been affected by the phenomena of intolerance. In all this, we are called to bring life, which means: hope, trust in spites of everything, strength to always begin again, faith in man.”
He ended with good wishes for the task awaiting the Nuncio in the Holy Land, together with assurances on the part of the friars of the Custody and of the local communities, “Your mission, Your Excellency, is not easy. Your first mission is to bring us the word, authoritative, of the Apostle Peter, the head of the Church. In your difficult but essential mission you can count on the support, believing and faithful, of many brothers who, in their centuries-old mission, bear witness of the Universal Church in these our communities of faith.”
After the Custos, the Patriarch H.E., Fouad Twal, gave his welcome in front of the empty tomb, “We are very grateful that you have accepted this mission during this difficult time and filled with many challenges. We hope to be able to work together to make Jerusalem an icon of communication, tolerance and understanding.”
His Excellence, Archbishop Lazzarotto, addressed the Heads of the Churches and the many faithful and pilgrims present, greeting them and thanking them for the warm and affectionate welcome.
As is tradition, the new Nuncio was received by the Patriarch, H.E. Fouad Twal, at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, together with the Patriarchal Vicars, priests and seminarians, and the friars of the Custody of the Holy land.
The procession, which began from the Latin Patriarchate, was joined by representatives of the Christian Churches of Jerusalem and by civil authorities. Many religious and members of the faithful marched in procession, preceded by the Kawwas, who led them toward the Holy Sepulchre through the streets of the Old City.
The doors of the Basilica opened at the arrival of the procession. In front of the anointing stone, the Custos of the Holy Land, Fra Pierbattista Pizzaballa, warmly welcomed Archbishop Lazzarotto, saying, “Welcome to Jerusalem, the cradle of our Christian faith and the heart of the life of all believers, in the Holy Land.”
The Custos pointed out the difficulties of the moment, “In the last year, until a few days ago, we have witnessed profound crises, political, religious and social. Even our religious communities, at times, have been affected by the phenomena of intolerance. In all this, we are called to bring life, which means: hope, trust in spites of everything, strength to always begin again, faith in man.”
He ended with good wishes for the task awaiting the Nuncio in the Holy Land, together with assurances on the part of the friars of the Custody and of the local communities, “Your mission, Your Excellency, is not easy. Your first mission is to bring us the word, authoritative, of the Apostle Peter, the head of the Church. In your difficult but essential mission you can count on the support, believing and faithful, of many brothers who, in their centuries-old mission, bear witness of the Universal Church in these our communities of faith.”
After the Custos, the Patriarch H.E., Fouad Twal, gave his welcome in front of the empty tomb, “We are very grateful that you have accepted this mission during this difficult time and filled with many challenges. We hope to be able to work together to make Jerusalem an icon of communication, tolerance and understanding.”
His Excellence, Archbishop Lazzarotto, addressed the Heads of the Churches and the many faithful and pilgrims present, greeting them and thanking them for the warm and affectionate welcome.