On November 1 during a Mass at which the Custos of the Holy Land, Friar Pierbattista Pizzaballa presided, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) celebrated their 100 years of presence in Bethlehem. Some ten priests con-celebrated and many friends were present, including Father Maher Abboud, the former parish priest of the Melkite parish in Maghar, Galilee.
In fact, the sisters arrived in Bethlehem a few days before Christmas 1909, but in choosing the feast of All Saints to remember that event, the Franciscan Sisters simply underline even more their heritage from the six pioneering sisters who arrived by boat at the request of the Ladies of Calvary, in order to take over responsibility for the dispensary and to look after a few elderly people.
In this country, where history is sadly given the rhythm of wars, the sisters lived in poverty as worthy daughters of Saint Francis, always adapting until today to the needs of the population at whose service they are. In his homily, Friar Marwan Di’Des, ofm, retraced in large strokes the episodes of their history in Bethlehem.
In our day, care of the elderly, the orphanage, the youth club, the embroidery workshop, welcoming pilgrims, the kindergarten, all the works to which the sisters dedicated themselves over the course of the years, have given place to welcoming families in difficulty.
While groups of young people, retreat groups and various conferences continue to be welcomed in part of the house, which is located not far from the Milk Grotto, another part is now occupied by the children’s home that was opened by the Custody to welcome boys between the ages of six and sixteen who come from families in difficulty. With the director, Friar Marwan, the sisters take part in animating the house. They have lost nothing of their pioneering spirit and still are able to invest themselves with the same ardor and faith at the service of people who are suffering.
The Congregation was founded in 1877 by a Franciscan, Mother Marie of the Passion, whose portrait was enthroned in front of the altar. In the meantime, the congregation has become international, and the Franciscan Sisters in the Holy Land reflect that internationality. The foundation in Bethlehem was followed by those in Jerusalem (1918), Nazareth (1945), Bat Yam (south of Tel Aviv, 1973). The FMM are also present in Syria, where they opened a house in 1911, as well as in Jordan and Lebanon.
The provincial of the Middle East, Sr. Narelle Skeers, was also present so as to be united with the joy of her sisters who had come from all the communities in the Holy Land.
A serene joy lit up the whole celebration, during which a choir of young people from the parish, animated by Friar Raffaele Tayem, ofm, sang wonderfully in Arabic. The same joy could still be seen on the faces during the reception that followed the Mass and when Sr. Narelle cut the anniversary cake.
So that they might be able to continue their humble, poor but so very efficient service over the next 100 years, we must wish the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary many vocations. Praying with them and for them is certainly the right anniversary gift to present to them.
Mab
Franciscan Missionaries of Mary website (English, French, Spanish)
In fact, the sisters arrived in Bethlehem a few days before Christmas 1909, but in choosing the feast of All Saints to remember that event, the Franciscan Sisters simply underline even more their heritage from the six pioneering sisters who arrived by boat at the request of the Ladies of Calvary, in order to take over responsibility for the dispensary and to look after a few elderly people.
In this country, where history is sadly given the rhythm of wars, the sisters lived in poverty as worthy daughters of Saint Francis, always adapting until today to the needs of the population at whose service they are. In his homily, Friar Marwan Di’Des, ofm, retraced in large strokes the episodes of their history in Bethlehem.
In our day, care of the elderly, the orphanage, the youth club, the embroidery workshop, welcoming pilgrims, the kindergarten, all the works to which the sisters dedicated themselves over the course of the years, have given place to welcoming families in difficulty.
While groups of young people, retreat groups and various conferences continue to be welcomed in part of the house, which is located not far from the Milk Grotto, another part is now occupied by the children’s home that was opened by the Custody to welcome boys between the ages of six and sixteen who come from families in difficulty. With the director, Friar Marwan, the sisters take part in animating the house. They have lost nothing of their pioneering spirit and still are able to invest themselves with the same ardor and faith at the service of people who are suffering.
The Congregation was founded in 1877 by a Franciscan, Mother Marie of the Passion, whose portrait was enthroned in front of the altar. In the meantime, the congregation has become international, and the Franciscan Sisters in the Holy Land reflect that internationality. The foundation in Bethlehem was followed by those in Jerusalem (1918), Nazareth (1945), Bat Yam (south of Tel Aviv, 1973). The FMM are also present in Syria, where they opened a house in 1911, as well as in Jordan and Lebanon.
The provincial of the Middle East, Sr. Narelle Skeers, was also present so as to be united with the joy of her sisters who had come from all the communities in the Holy Land.
A serene joy lit up the whole celebration, during which a choir of young people from the parish, animated by Friar Raffaele Tayem, ofm, sang wonderfully in Arabic. The same joy could still be seen on the faces during the reception that followed the Mass and when Sr. Narelle cut the anniversary cake.
So that they might be able to continue their humble, poor but so very efficient service over the next 100 years, we must wish the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary many vocations. Praying with them and for them is certainly the right anniversary gift to present to them.
Mab
Franciscan Missionaries of Mary website (English, French, Spanish)