“The Holy Land, where I lived for many years, is particularly close to my heart: it was here, in Nazareth, that I made my solemn profession and received ordination as a deacon. Coming here is a little like coming home.”
Father Josè Carballo’s visit to the Custody of the Holy Land, about a year after his last trip, was very positive. The Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, who arrived on Tuesday, told us about his itinerary, which came to an end in Galilee yesterday, Thursday June 16.
“I met the Custos and the Discretorium, then the friars of Judea and Galilee at their Chapters,” he explained. “We discussed two main topics: Franciscan communal life in the convents and also the equally important subject of the mission that we, as Franciscans, have here in the holy places, which have been in our custody for many centuries. In both cases, we all agreed on the conclusions reached and I am sure that these will be an excellent starting point for us to continue the very important work of the Custody in this land.”
Father Carballo was greatly moved on his visit to Nazareth yesterday morning, when he presided at the Mass in the grotto of the Basilica of the Annunciation, the very place where, more than thirty years ago, he made his solemn profession. “It was on this exact spot,” he emphasized in his homily, “that Mary said yes to God and, thanks to her, we have had the Wonder of the Incarnation. We also ask to be able to say our yes.”
In the afternoon, Father Carballo arrived in Acre to inaugurate the opening of the Tau Music Centre, the new school of music, which aims to use the common language of 'the seven notes' to bring together into one center, the youngsters of all ethnic groups and religions in the city and surrounding area. Lastly, Father Carballo attended the graduation ceremony of the pupils of the local Terra Sancta School.
“It is particularly moving for me to be here in Acre,” concluded the General, “where St. Francis landed many centuries ago, laying the foundations for the presence of the Franciscans in the Holy Land. In addition, after him, only one other Minister General before me visited this city. Coming here is truly meaningful for me and this visit will leave its mark on me.”
By Serena Picariello
Father Josè Carballo’s visit to the Custody of the Holy Land, about a year after his last trip, was very positive. The Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, who arrived on Tuesday, told us about his itinerary, which came to an end in Galilee yesterday, Thursday June 16.
“I met the Custos and the Discretorium, then the friars of Judea and Galilee at their Chapters,” he explained. “We discussed two main topics: Franciscan communal life in the convents and also the equally important subject of the mission that we, as Franciscans, have here in the holy places, which have been in our custody for many centuries. In both cases, we all agreed on the conclusions reached and I am sure that these will be an excellent starting point for us to continue the very important work of the Custody in this land.”
Father Carballo was greatly moved on his visit to Nazareth yesterday morning, when he presided at the Mass in the grotto of the Basilica of the Annunciation, the very place where, more than thirty years ago, he made his solemn profession. “It was on this exact spot,” he emphasized in his homily, “that Mary said yes to God and, thanks to her, we have had the Wonder of the Incarnation. We also ask to be able to say our yes.”
In the afternoon, Father Carballo arrived in Acre to inaugurate the opening of the Tau Music Centre, the new school of music, which aims to use the common language of 'the seven notes' to bring together into one center, the youngsters of all ethnic groups and religions in the city and surrounding area. Lastly, Father Carballo attended the graduation ceremony of the pupils of the local Terra Sancta School.
“It is particularly moving for me to be here in Acre,” concluded the General, “where St. Francis landed many centuries ago, laying the foundations for the presence of the Franciscans in the Holy Land. In addition, after him, only one other Minister General before me visited this city. Coming here is truly meaningful for me and this visit will leave its mark on me.”
By Serena Picariello